Latest news with #StartUpBahrain
Daily Tribune
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini startups tackle global business gaps
TDT | Manama Bahraini startups take on global gaps. Startups born in Bahrain are emerging as bold solution-makers for international markets, addressing challenges from small business logistics to travel finance and digital investment platforms. The latest edition of the 'StartUp Bahrain Pitch' competition spotlighted this momentum, with top honours going to homegrown ventures that blend innovation with impact. Backed by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and held in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Bahrain Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Development Bank, the event brought together high-potential founders, seasoned investors, and ecosystem champions under one roof. Tech-first solutions This year's winners reflect Bahrain's sharpened edge in innovation. First-place went to Tammam, an AI-powered app that streamlines order management for small operators in the food, retail, and beauty sectors. Second-place was awarded to BizBay, a digital marketplace that connects buyers, sellers, and investors, simplifies exits and safeguards business continuity through a single platform. Also in the spotlight were Rentat, a proptech platform for rent automation and landlord-tenant management, and Safer, a travel-focused fintech offering a secure 'Buy Now, Pay Later' service for trip bookings. Support drives success The judging panel featured a blend of regional and international voices, including Fatma Sultan Bahwan, CCO of AlJabr MENA; Sam Marchant, Partner at Inaugural; Karim Konsowa, Portfolio Manager at Hub71; and Laith Al-Khalili, Associate Director at Mumtalakat. Speaking on behalf of Tammam, Noor Alderazi said: 'Winning first place is a great honour. StartUp Bahrain Pitch gave us a valuable opportunity to showcase our work on a national platform among experts, investors, and startup ecosystem leaders.' Echoing the sentiment, BizBay's Ali AlSawad added: 'This experience allowed us to connect with the wider startup community and explore new avenues for growth and development.' Building innovation culture The event is part of a broader push to embed innovation deeply within Bahrain's economic fabric, supported by public-private partnerships and platforms like StartUp Bahrain. Organisers say future editions will continue to identify and empower ventures with global relevance and national roots.
Biz Bahrain
29-04-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
StartUp Bahrain Weekend concludes its fourth edition and celebrates Bahraini entrepreneurship by awarding the top three innovative teams with Tamkeen's Support
StartUp Bahrain, the leading platform for startups in the Kingdom of Bahrain, supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and in strategic partnership with Brinc, Spring Ventures, General Assembly Bahrain, Reboot Coding Institute and ordable/, has wrapped up the fourth edition of StartUp Bahrain Weekend, which took place during a weekend from 24th April to 26th April 2025, at Bahrain Polytechnic. The highly anticipated event was made possible thanks to the support of notable sponsors and ecosystem enablers including; Bahrain Polytechnic, Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), American University of Bahrain (AUBH), Ahlia University, Calo, Mama Joz, Al Anwar Discount Center, Infinigence Consulting, Etar Productions, and Nadher Media. Over the course of 54 electrifying hours, more than 200 developers, designers, marketers, and founders came together under one roof to ideate, build, and launch startups—transforming ideas into MVPs in record time. All participants competed for a total prize pool of BHD 3,000 with additional surprise perks from partners and stakeholders to celebrate their innovation and drive. The event's judging panel featured top-tier industry leaders, including: Marwa Eleskafi, Director – Programs Design and Development at Tamkeen, Husain Haji, Managing Director of Brinc MENA, Hamad Alfahad, Executive Director and MP of Tajawoz, Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner of Plus VC, and Abdulrahman A Alkooheji, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Nadher Media. This year's awards went to three standout teams: WISHD that secured first place for their platform that allows saving products from anywhere with a click, a barcode scan, or photo so that the products are organized into smart lists. Akeed, which claimed second place, is a secure identity and communication platform built for banks, governments, insurance and healthcare institutions. In third place, SIGNify, presented a pair of smart AR glasses that helps hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate in real time. 'StartUp Bahrain Weekend was one of the most inspiring and high-pressure experiences I've ever had,' said Sawsan Haider, founder of WISHD. 'We walked in with an idea and left with a functioning prototype, mentorship from industry leaders, and a renewed sense of purpose. This platform doesn't just empower startups—it ignites them. We're super grateful to StartUp Bahrain, Tamkeen, and all the sponsors who made this event possible.' Additionally, Husain Sabba, founder of Akeed and recipient of the second prize, expressed his gratitude for the entire experience and opportunity to present and work on his idea, saying: 'This is my second win with StartUp Bahrain Weekend, and it was a truly remarkable experience in every sense. The Weekend event serves as a powerful occasion for startups to grow, evolve, and achieve ambitious goals. We are excited to continue our innovative efforts.' The third-place winner, Omar Saba, founder of SIGNify, expressed his pride in this achievement, expressing that participating in StartUp Bahrain Weekend marked a significant turning point, adding: 'We are grateful for the recognition and support from mentors and judges, and we hope this will be the beginning of a journey toward even greater success.' As a surprise announcement, NervaGrid was awarded the General Assembly Choice Award in recognition of its innovative platform that assesses companies' governance data quality and AI maturity, aligned with global standards such as ISO, the EU AI Act, the Digital Bahrain Act 2024, Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). To explore more from StartUp Bahrain and stay up to date on upcoming initiatives, visit or check out future opportunities at
Biz Bahrain
21-04-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Breaking Barriers: How Reboot01 is Cultivating Bahrain's Next-Gen Developers
We spoke to Yaman Al-Masri, Tech Lead at Reboot Coding Institute (Reboot01), who has been part of the institute since its launch in 2023. He has played an important role in shaping its immersive learning experience. A Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Bahrain, Yaman has been involved in coding education since the age of 17, conducting training in web and app development, full-stack development, AI, and cybersecurity. Q1: How does hands-on learning reshape tech education compared to traditional methods, and why is this shift so important, especially in Bahrain, a top tech hub in the GCC? At Reboot Coding Institute, we embrace an immersive, hands-on learning model refined over the last twenty years to produce mid-to-senior-level developers. Unlike traditional curriculums, we adapt in real-time with 01Edu, ensuring students stay ahead of industry shifts. Through mentorship and hands-on projects, we bridge the gap between education and modern tech demands. A university degree alone isn't enough for programming success. That's why we emphasize practical experience, agile methodologies, and essential soft skills. Our fast-paced, project-based model mirrors innovative tech environments, fostering collective intelligence, creativity, and adaptability. Students gain practical experience through more than 55 unique projects—ranging from building secure, WhatsApp-style messaging platforms to fully functional, Amazon-like e-commerce sites that build skills beyond basic coding—qualities highly valued by employers. Our program starts from zero, welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds—technicians, civil engineers, and teachers—guiding them into full-stack development. Built on logic and critical thinking, the program reinforces these skills through a rigorous selection process that equips students for a dynamic, challenge-driven ecosystem. Additionally, 100% Tamkeen support is available for all Bahrainis, making tech career transitions more accessible than ever. 'I truly believe Bahrain's tech talent rivals and often exceeds the region, something I've witnessed more than ever lately.' Reboot students are securing roles at Citibank, KPMG, and Raincode even before graduating while standing out in competitions like StartUp Bahrain and Mashroo3i. Their drive, combined with our hands-on approach, equips them with the skills, mindset, and experience to thrive locally and globally. Q2: Tech and coding are essential across industries, from healthcare to AI, blockchain, and cybersecurity. How is student interest evolving, and how can they be trained for this demand? Technology is integral to nearly every industry, with Industry 4.0 driving demand for skilled professionals. Reboot meets this growing demand with seven specialized tracks, including Cloud DevOps, AI, Java full-stack, and mobile development—all built on real-world projects. In addition, our upcoming AI Starter Program trains students and professionals to code, build tools, and strategically harness AI technologies like ChatGPT—transforming them into 10x programmers—faster, more efficient, and more innovative. At Reboot, students come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, proving that anyone with the right mindset and dedication can transition into the tech world. We spoke to three students, Omar Al Bahri, Ahmed Abdeen, and Mohammed Adwan, who had no prior experience in software development before joining Reboot. Omar is a Mechanical Engineer from the University of Bahrain with work experience spanning engineering, hospitality, and freelance work. Ahmed has a versatile background, studying electronics in high school and business and international logistics management at Bahrain Polytechnic. Meanwhile, Mohammed pursued interior design at the University of Bahrain and has professional experience in design and marketing. Q1: How has Reboot's dynamic and inclusive learning environment shaped your journey as a Software Developer, and what sets your experience apart from those who have taken more traditional learning paths? Omar: Reboot01 offers a Silicon Valley-style experience that is truly unique in Bahrain. Unlike traditional university settings with rigid structures, Reboot01 offers nearly 24-hour access and fosters collaborative learning, promoting creativity and flexibility. I remember struggling with C++ alone in university but grasped it quickly when surrounded by my peers. Reboot is built around this very principle. Ahmed: My tech journey began in college when I attended a boot camp, which sparked my interest in tech. When I found Reboot, I wasn't sure what to expect, but its gamified learning approach immediately stood out. Reboot's gamified learning, from its unique selection process to its program structure, felt like a series of interconnected puzzles leading to a big-picture understanding of software development. I've now been in the program for nearly two years as part of the first batch, and looking back, I am amazed at how much I have grown, both in skills and confidence. The transformation has been incredible. Mohammed: Coming from a non-tech background and having explored multiple career paths, I was looking for a challenge. The selection game at Reboot inspired me to pursue full-stack development. Unlike my university's rigid learning structure, which limited my experience, Reboot's 'learn-by-doing' approach—balancing independent problem-solving with collaborative teamwork—has significantly developed my problem-solving mindset and teamwork abilities. Q2: Coming from a non-tech background without prior coding experience, how was the learning curve, and how prepared do you feel to enter the industry? Omar: The learning curve can be steep, but what makes it easier is the diversity of students in the program. Many of us come from non-tech backgrounds, which creates a sense of relatability and support. One of my biggest interests is startups and entrepreneurship, and Reboot fosters this mindset through networking and exposure to top industry figures. Ahmed: I worked on projects at the university, but they were all in a traditional classroom setting. At Reboot, you tackle challenges solo and with peers. You quickly realize everyone solves problems differently because of their diverse backgrounds. I've learned that there's no single 'right' persona for a career in tech. The possibilities are endless. Mohammed: For someone without a tech background, the learning curve can be intimidating, but Reboot's approach makes it manageable and rewarding for those committed to the process. The flexibility to learn at your own pace is vital, and Reboot builds your confidence, even with initial slow progress. With further training, I feel increasingly prepared for the industry.
Bahrain This Week
31-03-2025
- Business
- Bahrain This Week
StartUp Bahrain, Reboot Coding Collaborate to Upskill Tech Talent
StartUp Bahrain, the leading platform for startups in the Kingdom of Bahrain, supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), announces its collaboration with Reboot Coding Institute, the largest tech hub and coding program dedicated to developing the next generation of tech talent in the Kingdom. In an era where technical expertise is rapidly driving startup success and scaling its growth, this partnership addresses a critical need in Bahrain's entrepreneurial landscape. While StartUp Bahrain continues to strengthen the ecosystem through community building and resource accessibility, Reboot Coding Institute brings its intensive, industry-focused coding programs that transform learners into job-ready full-stack developers. Its practical approach to teaching programming skills has already contributed to the growing pool of technical talent in the Kingdom. The partnership will create new pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs and startup teams to gain essential coding skills through specialized workshops, bootcamps, and technical mentorship programs. This initiative aims to bridge the technical skills gap in the startup community while fostering a new generation of tech-enabled founders. 'Building a thriving startup ecosystem requires a strong foundation of technical talent,' expressed Yanal Jallad, Managing Director at Reboot Coding Institute. 'With over 50% of Startup Weekend participants coming from Reboot and a student body of 400 developers and growing, it makes sense to deepen our collaboration with StartUp Bahrain. Together, we're not just teaching code – we're empowering future founders with the technical capabilities to build and scale their innovative solutions, and encouraging developers to pursue their entrepreneurial interests and ideas.' Maryam Malik, Project Manager at StartUp Bahrain, stated. 'Our collaboration with Reboot Coding Institute represents a strategic step toward strengthening the technical capabilities within our startup community, and transforming innovative ideas into tangible tech solutions while supporting the growth of Bahrain's digital economy.'
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
StartUp in partnership deal to boost Bahrain SMEs' digital growth
StartUp Bahrain, the leading platform for startups in the Kingdom of Bahrain, supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), has signed a strategic partnership with ordable/, a pioneering business management platform designed to enhance operational efficiency and support the digital growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region. This strategic collaboration will integrate the expertise of StartUp Bahrain in ecosystem management with ordable/'s advanced business management technology solutions, which include point-of-sale (POS) systems, digital QR menus, booking systems, and e-commerce platforms. The partnership aims to support the next generation of Bahraini entrepreneurs by enabling them to optimize resource management, organize their time effectively, and oversee the financial aspects of their businesses with greater efficiency. While StartUp Bahrain focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation by offering startups access to resources, networks, and opportunities for growth, ordable/ delivers tangible tools to address operational pain points faced by SMEs. Its platform streamlines business processes through features like Point-of-Sale (POS), online ordering, QR ordering, Event Booking and digital advertising solutions. This partnership demonstrates a joint commitment to equipping Bahraini businesses with actionable tools and scalable digital solutions, he stated. StartUp Bahrain and ordable/ are committed to advancing Bahrain's digital transformation journey by empowering local founders with actionable solutions that address real-world business challenges. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
