The National Bank of Bahrain has launched the NBB Innovation Programme 2025 with Bahrain FinTech Bay, unveiled during Manama’s fintech week as a three-week accelerator for early-stage startups to integrate AI, refine business models, and prepare for investors. Applications run from October 12 to December 8, with shortlisted teams advancing to workshops and mentorship, as confirmed on Bahrain FinTech Bay’s news page.

Structure is built for outcomes. The programme features a Fintech Founders Track, an NBB Track, and a BFB Track delivering hands-on sessions on model validation, investor readiness, and applied AI tools. The accelerator culminates in a Demo Day on February 4, 2026 with a $10,000 prize and three-month incubation at Bahrain FinTech Bay, alongside potential partnership discussions with NBB.

The timing rides a broader wave. The FinTech Forward 2025 wrap documented 38 partnerships signed at Exhibition World Bahrain on October 8–9, signalling a system designed to convert forum momentum into pilots and hiring. That context gives applicants a ready pipeline of banks, platforms, and infrastructure partners for proofs-of-concept.

Voices from the partners set the tone. “NBB remains committed to nurturing the next generation of fintech leaders by creating meaningful platforms for collaboration, innovation, and development. This programme reflects our belief that AI has the potential to transform financial services, and we are proud to work alongside Bahrain Fintech Bay to empower startups that have the potential to shape the progress of our industry,” said Hisham Abu Alfateh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NBB.

“Through our partnership with NBB, Bahrain Fintech Bay is equipping early-stage fintech innovators to effectively leverage the potential of AI and cutting-edge digital tools. The NBB Innovation Programme will not only accelerate the growth of these startups but also contribute to Bahrain’s position as a leading hub for fintech innovation and sustainable economic progress,” said Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer of Bahrain FinTech Bay.

A bank-backed accelerator with clear tracks and a dated demo day compresses time from idea to enterprise-grade pilot. With FF25 fresh in memory and partners revealed in the EDB wrap, teams can map problem statements to real stakeholders across lending, risk, payments, and treasury.