Latest news with #OpenInnovationProgramme
Daily Tribune
07-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Al Salam Bank joins Tamkeen's Open Innovation Programme to drive Financial Innovation
Al Salam Bank has joined the Open Innovation Programme, a pioneering initiative backed by Bahrain's Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and managed by Brinc MENA. This Programme connects leading enterprises with innovative Bahraini startups and SMEs to develop cutting-edge solutions that address the enterprises' challenges and requirements, and enhance operational efficiency, drive sustainability, and foster economic growth. The programme connects Bahraini startups and SMEs with leading enterprises to develop innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency, drive digital transformation, and support economic growth. Al Salam Bank is the first Bank to join this initiative, reaffirming its commitment to fintech innovation and the advancement of Bahrain's financial sector. The agreement was co-signed by Tamkeen's Chief Executive, Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Mr. Anwar Murad, Deputy CEO - Banking at Al Salam Bank, and Brinc's Managing Director, Husain Haji, at Tamkeen's headquarters. Under this partnership, Al Salam Bank will collaborate with selected startups and SMEs, co-financing the development of proof-of-concepts (POCs) and pilot solutions that address the bank's strategic challenges and opportunities. This collaboration aligns with Tamkeen's 2025 strategic priorities, which focus on enhancing Bahrainis' competitiveness in the private sector, supporting enterprise growth, and accelerating digital transformation. Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), commented: 'Al Salam Bank's participation in the Open Innovation Program is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in Bahrain. This initiative provides startups and SMEs with a unique platform to collaborate with leading enterprises, driving innovation and economic diversification in the Kingdom.' Mr. Anwar Murad, Deputy CEO - Banking at Al Salam Bank, stated: 'Innovation is at the heart of Al Salam Bank's strategy. Through this program, we aim to leverage the creativity and agility of Bahraini startups to enhance our digital banking capabilities, improve clients experiences, and optimize operational efficiency. By working together, we can shape the future of Bahrain's financial sector and create sustainable economic value.' A joint committee consisting of representatives from Tamkeen, Brinc, and Al Salam Bank will oversee the selection and development of startup-led solutions to enhance financial innovation. The program will support the co-creation of new technologies that align with the evolving needs of the financial sector. Brinc's Managing Director, Hussain Haji, added: 'By connecting corporations with agile startups/SMEs, we are fostering a dynamic ecosystem where AI-driven automation, financial security solutions, and personalized digital banking experiences can thrive. This collaboration will drive meaningful advancements in Bahrain's banking sector and enhance clients engagement through cutting-edge technology.' Bahrain-based startups and SMEs with innovative technology solutions are invited to apply via Selected participants will join a six-month accelerator program, receiving tailored mentorship, funding, and the opportunity to pilot their solutions with Al Salam Bank.
Zawya
07-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Bahrain: Al Salam Bank inks pact to aid startups and SMEs
Al Salam Bank has partnered with the Open Innovation Programme, an initiative supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and managed by Brinc MENA, to foster collaboration between established enterprises and Bahraini startups and SMEs. The programme aims to connect leading enterprises with innovative Bahraini startups and SMEs to develop cutting-edge solutions that address the enterprises' challenges and requirements, enhance operational efficiency, drive sustainability, and foster economic growth within the kingdom. Al Salam Bank's participation in the programme, the first bank to do so, underscores its commitment to fintech innovation and the development of Bahrain's financial sector. The agreement was signed by Tamkeen's chief executive Maha Mofeez, Al Salam Bank deputy chief executive for banking Anwar Murad, and Brinc managing director Husain Haji. Under the partnership, Al Salam Bank will collaborate with selected startups and SMEs, co-financing the development of proof-of-concepts (POCs) and pilot solutions tailored to the bank's strategic challenges and opportunities. This collaboration aligns with Tamkeen's 2025 strategic priorities, which focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, supporting enterprise growth, and accelerating digital transformation across the kingdom. Ms Mofeez said, 'Al Salam Bank's participation in the programme is a testament to our shared vision of fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in Bahrain. This initiative provides startups and SMEs with a unique platform to collaborate with leading enterprises, driving innovation and economic diversification in the kingdom.' Mr Murad added, 'Innovation is at the heart of Al Salam Bank's strategy. Through the programme, we aim to leverage the creativity and agility of Bahraini startups to enhance our digital banking capabilities, improve clients experiences, and optimise operational efficiency. By working together, we can shape the future of Bahrain's financial sector and create sustainable economic value.' A joint committee com prising representatives from Tamkeen, Brinc, and Al Salam Bank will oversee the selection and development of startup-led solutions to advance financial innovation. The programme will support the co-creation of new technologies that align with the evolving needs of the financial sector. Mr Haji said, 'By connecting corporations with agile startups/SMEs, we are fostering a dynamic ecosystem where AI-driven automation, financial security solutions, and personalised digital banking experiences can thrive. This collaboration will drive meaningful advancements in Bahrain's banking sector and enhance clients engagement through cutting-edge technology.' Bahrain-based startups and SMEs with innovative technology solutions are invited to apply via Selected participants will join a six-month accelerator programme, receiving tailored mentorship, funding, and the opportunity to pilot their solutions with Al Salam Bank. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily Tribune
24-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Alba drives digital transformation with Tamkeen's Open Innovation programme
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has advanced its participation in Tamkeen's Open Innovation Programme (OIP) by engaging in a five-day workshop-sprint to explore Industry 4.0 and digital transformation opportunities within the Company. These opportunities will be addressed through innovative solutions by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the OIP framework. Facilitated by innovation expert and CEO of Impactique, Sahar Al Baharna, the sessions brought together ten employees from cross-functional teams at Alba, engaging them in structured activities using advanced innovation frameworks. The focus was on identifying technology and business model disruptions in key areas such as big data, sustainability, asset reliability, and clean energy. The workshop-sprint concluded with a pitch day, where two standout digital transformation opportunities were selected by a panel of experts from Alba, Tamkeen, and Brinc MENA. adsas Launched in December 2024, the Open Innovation Programme is backed by Bahrain's Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and managed by Brinc MENA as its Innovation Partner. The initiative connects leading enterprises with innovative Bahraini startups and SMEs to develop cutting-edge solutions for industry needs. As the first company in Bahrain to join the OIP, Alba remains committed to driving Industry 4.0 advancements in its processes while contributing to Bahrain's economy growth.
