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With the Pitch@Palace Bahrain 1.0 just around the corner, startups and emerging entrepreneurs in Bahrain have yet another shot at making it into the big leagues with adequate industry support. While opportunities are practically limitless, the event will also offer its fair share of challenges — especially considering that some of the most promising startups in the country will be competing against one another for the top prizes.

Tamkeen (labor fund) has stated that it had received 99 applications from up-and-coming Bahraini entrepreneurs across niches and sectors. So better do your homework with due diligence if your startup is participating in the competition.

The forthcoming edition of the event will be held under the patronage of the Crown Prince HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa along with the Duke of York HRH Prince Andrew. If you’re not yet familiar with what Pitch@Palace Bahrain 1.0 aims to achieve, it is essentially a platform to assist, guide, and connect entrepreneurs and early-stage startups based in Bahrain to potential supporters such as investors, business leaders, mentors, influencers, and business partners.

The event was launched by the Duke of York in 2014 with the vision of providing entrepreneurs with a platform to amplify and accelerate their businesses. The Bahraini government’s decision to host the event reflects its commitment to encouraging innovations and the entrepreneurial spirit, both of which are expected to play a pivotal role in fulfilling the Kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030 plan.

“This programme provides Bahrainis with a unique opportunity to develop and grow themselves as well as their businesses, and foster creativity and innovation in the private sector, which will ultimately positively impact the Bahraini economic environment,” said Tamkeen’s Chief Executive Dr Ebrahim Mohammed Janahi.

12 applicants will be shortlisted to attend the Pitch@Palace Boot Camp based on their pitches and business plans. These entrepreneurs will receive extensive training on how to develop and nurture a business while simultaneously attracting investors and potential partners.

Scheduled on April 5 at the Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort in Riffa Pitch@Palace Bahrain 1.0 is hosted in collaboration with strategic partners the Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Bahrain Development Bank (BDB).

The winners will be selected based on an audience vote, and then they will be given a chance to pitch their ideas at the Pitch@Palace Global in London later this year.