StartUp Bahrain, the leading platform for startups in the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced Techstars Startup Weekend Bahrain, taking place from 16th to 18th May 2024. Supported by The Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and held in strategic partnership with Tap Payments, the annual event is aimed at fostering and supporting emerging local businesses and enhancing Bahrain’s thriving startup ecosystem. The event’s sponsors include Zain Bahrain, Brinc Batelco, IKEA Bahrain, Tap Payments, General Assembly Middle East, The Collective Hub, Reboot Coding Institute, Diwan Hub, and Techstars.
The exciting 54-hour event gathers over 140 founders, developers, designers, and marketers under one roof to build and launch startups within the span of a single weekend. This high-energy event promises a dynamic atmosphere brimming with creativity, collaboration and innovation. Participants will compete for cash prizes awarded to the top three teams, respectively.
Aligned with the global Techstars Startup Weekend framework, which has successfully orchestrated more than 5,000 events across 150+ countries, this edition promises to deliver a dynamic, friendly atmosphere conducive to rapid ideation, collaboration, and business development.
As the first of its kind for this year, StartUp Bahrain is poised to revolutionize the approach to business norms. This year’s keynote speaker is Ahmed Faraj, the Co-Founder and CEO of Lumofy, a prominent entrepreneur and winner of StartUp Bahrain Pitch and Startup of the Year, with firsthand experience as trailblazer in the startup ecosystem. Additionally, reprising his role for the second edition, Nathan Minns, a seasoned trainer and facilitator renowned for his expertise in guiding startup initiatives worldwide, will provide invaluable mentorship and guidance to participants.
This year’s panel of judges includes Brinc Regional Head of Corporate Innovation, Husain Haji, Tap Payments’ Managing Director – Bahrain, Ahmed Alaradi; Hope Fund’s General Manager, Fajer AlPachachi; Executive Director and MP of Tajawoz, Hamad Alfahad; and Co-Founder of WSI-Consulting, Safa Sharif.
Approximately 15 Bahraini leaders in the field of entrepreneurship will guide the contestants, including Rami Jamal, Emad Al-Kooheji, Imran Al-Aradi, Mohamed Al-Subaiee, Noora AlAskar, Jalal Aljazeeri, Dr. Hamad Behzad, and many others.
The Executive Director of Program Development and Partnerships at Tamkeen, Ali Hassan, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming StartUp Weekend Bahrain following the triumph of the 2023 edition. “Tamkeen is committed to fostering the entrepreneurial landscape by providing specialized support and training for aspiring entrepreneurs,” he stated. “We are thrilled to endorse this event, which serves as a crucial platform for entrepreneurs to present their innovative concepts, and transform ideas into thriving businesses, thereby contributing to the growth and sustainability of Bahrain’s business ecosystem.”
Ahmed Alaradi, Tap Payments’ Managing Director – Bahrain, expressed: “Startup Weekend Bahrain is a testament to Bahrain’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, and we are proud to collaborate with the organizers and participants to help transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.”
Husain Haji, Brinc Batelco’s Regional Head of Corporate Innovation and one of the judges, stated: “We are excited to contribute to the growth of Bahrain’s startup ecosystem as this event perfectly aligns with our commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Kingdom.”
Sh. Abdulla Al-Khalifa, Chief Communications & Investor Relations Officer in Zain Bahrain, highlighted: “Zain Bahrain is excited to support and empower the startup community and contribute to the vibrant ecosystem of innovation and growth in the Kingdom.”
“IKEA Bahrain is thrilled to join Startup Weekend Bahrain as a sponsor, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the vibrant startup community in the Kingdom,” expressed Vincent van Herk, Market Manager at IKEA Bahrain. “We are excited to be a part of this event, which encourages innovation and empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life and contribute positively to the society.
Widad Elghauche Elhallak, Techstars Customer Success Coordinator, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming second edition of Startup Weekend hosted by StartUp Bahrain, stating, “Techstars is delighted to support Startup Weekend Bahrain. This event reaffirms our dedication to empowering individuals everywhere, as they embark on the path to creating thriving startups worldwide.”
Techstars Startup Weekend will be an event full of rich ideas, fruitful discussions and interactive networking opportunities. For more information, visit startupbahrain.com/weekend and secure a spot on the event’s platform.
