StartUp Bahrain, the leading platform for startups in the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced Techstars Startup Weekend Bahrain, taking place from 30th November 2023 to 2nd December 2023. Supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), and held in strategic partnership with Export Bahrain and Tap Payments, the annual event is aimed at supporting emerging Bahraini businesses and enhancing the Kingdom’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event’s sponsors are Amal Invest, GFH Financial Group, Zain Bahrain, Export Bahrain, and Tap Payments.
This adrenaline-packed 54-hour event will bring together over 100 founders, developers, designers, and marketers to build and launch startups over a single weekend. Participants will compete for grand prizes worth BD 4,000, BD 2,000, and BD 1,000 for the first, second, and third places, respectively.
The competition is part of the global Techstars Startup Weekend system, which has organized more than 5,000 events in 150+ countries. Renowned for its fast-paced environment and positive impact on local business ecosystems, this immersive event will see budding entrepreneurs come together to conceptualize, develop, and launch startups in a friendly and competitive atmosphere.
Considering this event to be its highlight for the year, StartUp Bahrain envisions a distinctive approach to redefining business norms. This year’s keynote speaker is Yazin Alirhayim, a prominent serial entrepreneur and founder of Amal Invest, who was the winner of the first Startup Weekend event in Bahrain. Participants will also benefit from the expertise of world-class trainer and facilitator, Nathan Minns, known for his professional coaching and experience in supporting Startup Weekend events globally.
This year’s jury includes Export Bahrain Chief Executive, Her Excellency Safa Sharif Abdul Khaliq; Tap Payments Executive Vice President, Business, Ahmed Al-Aradi; Zain Bahrain Chief Communications & Investor Relations, Sh. Abdulla Al-Khalifa; Amazon Web Services (AWS) Strategic Accounts Lead, Ahmed AlSawafiri; Tenmou CEO, Nawaf Mohamed AlKoheji; and Brinc Regional Head of Corporate Innovation, MENA, Hussain Haji.
Approximately 15 Bahraini leaders in the field of entrepreneurship will guide the contestants, including Rami Jamal, Pakiza Alsouse, Zainab Khamis, Emad Al-Kooheji, Ahmed Faraj, Imran Al-Aradi, Mohamed Al-Subaiee, Nourhan Al-Zan, and many others.
Tamkeen Executive Director of Program Development and Partnerships, Ali Hassan said: “Tamkeen nurtures the entrepreneurship ecosystem by offering tailored support and training for high potential entrepreneurs. Our objectives are to fuel private sector growth, create quality job opportunities, and make a sustainable economic impact on the business ecosystem. We are proud to lend our endorsement to this event, which provides a vital platform for entrepreneurs to showcase innovative ideas, gain insights from industry leaders, and transition ideas into successful ventures.”
Export Bahrain Chief Executive, Her Excellency, Safa Sharif Abdulkhaliq stated: “We are thrilled to support Techstars Startup Weekend in Bahrain to further enable, foster, and support a community of innovation and collaboration. This event aligns with Export Bahrain’s commitment to empowering and amplifying Bahrain’s entrepreneurial landscape, and supporting entrepreneurs from the ground up.”
Tap Payments Managing Director – Bahrain, Ahmed Al-Aradi commented: “As advocates of innovation and entrepreneurship, Tap Payments is delighted to take part in Startup Weekend Bahrain and work alongside its organizers to foster talent and growth in the ecosystem. This event presents an incredible opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impactful businesses.”
GFH Financial Group Chief Operating Officer, Salah Sharif expressed his enthusiasm for being part of Startup Weekend Bahrain, saying: “GFH Financial Group is proud to sponsor Techstars Startup Weekend, helping to foster growth in Bahrain’s startup ecosystem. This event aligns with our continued dedication to nurturing innovation and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in the Kingdom.”
Amal Invest Founder and CEO, Yazin Alirhayim stressed the importance of events such as Startup Weekend Bahrain, highlighting: “Embracing this opportunity can completely change the course of one’s career, just as it transformed mine. This isn’t just an event, it is a fertile ground for groundbreaking ideas and future success stories.“
Techstars Customer Success Coordinator, Sorawi Phongsakonsunthon shared his excitement about the event, adding, “Techstars is thrilled to support Startup Weekend Bahrain where entrepreneurs can ideate and collaborate on launching innovative ventures. This event embodies our commitment to empowering people on their journeys towards building successful startups everywhere.”
The event begins on Thursday, 30th November, 2023 at 6:30 pm and ends on Saturday, 2nd December, 2023 at 8:30 pm, at Zain Bahrain Tower in Seef District. Techstars Startup Weekend will be an event full of rich ideas, fruitful discussions and interactive networking opportunities.
For more information, visit startupbahrain.com and secure a spot on the event’s platform by visiting startupbahrain.com/weekend.
