On the sidelines of Gateway Gulf 2025, Tamkeen signed an agreement with Startupbootcamp to launch an AI accelerator that will qualify 160 Bahraini entrepreneurs over the next three years and target 80 market-ready products, with USD 4 million in direct investments earmarked to back promising ventures. The forum ran in Manama on November 2–3 under the Bahrain EDB umbrella and closed with headline investment announcements.

The new program focuses on practical AI and data-driven business models, combining mentoring with access to a global expert network and investor introductions. Delivery will move founders from idea to product in structured sprints, with Startupbootcamp’s accelerator know-how supporting go-to-market in Bahrain and the wider GCC.

“We are pleased to collaborate with Startupbootcamp, a globally recognized leader that has consistently demonstrated their ability to empower promising startups in the AI field through its accelerators and expertise in this rapidly growing sector. The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to exceptional local talent capable of driving transformation and building innovative technology ventures with strong potential for growth and expansion. These ventures play a vital role in creating high-quality employment opportunities for Bahrainis. In line with this, Tamkeen is commitment to supporting local talent by equipping them with the resources they need to realize their entrepreneurial ambitions and play an active role in the development of the national economy.” said Her Excellency Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen.

From the accelerator side, Carsten Kølbek, Co-founder and Chairman of Startupbootcamp, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with Tamkeen to strengthen the technology sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through this partnership, we will work with talented Bahraini entrepreneurs who will contribute to addressing key challenges within the sector, while also creating new job opportunities and driving innovation and economic growth in the Kingdom.” Hani Murad, Regional CEO of Startupbootcamp and Rainmaking, added, “The program aims to train 160 Bahraini entrepreneurs and develop 80 market ready products over the next three years. Through this partnership, we will dedicate direct investments worth USD 4 million to support promising projects.”

The Gateway Gulf backdrop matters for timing and reach. The third edition concluded today with over USD 17 billion in announcements and partnerships, underscoring why Bahrain uses the forum to convert visibility into deals that touch SMEs and emerging tech.

For founders, this partnership signals a Bahrain-first path to build AI products with real buyers in mind. The program’s structure pairs local market access via Tamkeen with Startupbootcamp’s global mentor bench, while Bahrain EDB steers investor attention through Gateway Gulf’s meetings and showcases. The forum’s briefers two weeks ago set the stage for these outcomes by confirming the dates and invite-only format for senior investors.

Next for Bahrain’s ecosystem: track enrollment details through Tamkeen channels, prepare a simple AI use case with measurable outcomes, and line up customer discovery inside the Gateway Gulf network while momentum is fresh.