In a move to champion local talent and support young women in STEM, Kuwait-based Talabat, the region’s leading online ordering platform, recently delivered an insightful session to welcome the third cohort of Academy X. This participation is part of Talabat’s ongoing strategic sponsorship of the initiative, which is led by CODED Academy and stands as Kuwait’s largest women’s empowerment program in the technology and entrepreneurship sectors.
A Strategic Partnership For Youth Empowerment
Talabat’s collaboration with CODED Academy reflects a deep commitment to social responsibility and the development of Kuwait’s digital economy. The partnership is designed to equip Kuwaiti youth with essential skills, aligning with the national objectives outlined in Kuwait Vision 2035. By investing in the next generation, both organizations aim to foster an environment of innovation and create a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to lead the future of technology in the region.
Inspiring Future Tech Leaders
The session for the incoming cohort was led by Salma Hassan, Manager of People Operations at Talabat. She provided a valuable insider’s perspective on the technology landscape, discussing current professional opportunities and emerging roles within the industry. Hassan also shared insights into the people-first culture at leading tech companies like Talabat, emphasizing the innovative and inclusive approaches that foster professional and personal growth for employees.
Cultivating A New Generation Of Innovators
The third and final cohort for 2025 welcomed over 150 participants between the ages of 14 and 18. The Academy X program will immerse them in a curriculum focused on leadership, entrepreneurship fundamentals, the latest artificial intelligence (AI) tools, app and web development, and user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design.
“At talabat, we believe that the future begins today and that equipping our youth with vital knowledge and skills is essential for driving innovation,” said Bader Al-Ghanim, Vice President and Managing Director of Talabat Kuwait. “Judging by the amount of creative energy and thirst for innovation that the Academy X cohort exhibited, we have no doubt that Kuwait will soon have a generation of female tech leaders who will reshape the industry.”
Hashim Behbehani, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of CODED Academy, added, “By collaborating in empowering Kuwait’s young women in STEM, we aim to create a future of inclusive tech innovation where all voices are heard, and different ideas integrate to push the boundaries of tech-powered solutions.” Upon completion of the program, participants will be tasked with developing and presenting an innovative tech solution to a real-world problem.
About Talabat
Talabat is a leading online food and grocery delivery platform in the MENA region. Founded in Kuwait, it operates across several countries, offering a wide range of restaurants and stores on its app. The company is committed to leveraging technology to provide convenience to its customers while also contributing to the digital transformation of the local economies in which it operates.
Source: Zawya
