Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter, has selected three Bahraini startups to advance to the implementation phase of its Open Innovation Program. The initiative, a strategic collaboration with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and Brinc Middle East, aims to solve industrial challenges by leveraging the agility and technological capabilities of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The Open Innovation Mandate
The selected startups will focus on developing Proof-of-Concept (POC) solutions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to tackle two specific operational challenges at Alba. U-Data has been chosen to address the data management challenge, while Dynafet and Infinite Ware will both work on solutions for the asset reliability challenge. This move underscores Alba’s commitment to embedding innovation within its core operations and fostering the growth of Bahrain’s tech ecosystem.
A Six-Month Implementation Journey
Over the next six months, the three startups will receive financial backing, specialized mentorship, and technical guidance from experts at both Alba and Brinc. The primary goal during this phase is to develop a functional POC. In the fifth month, each startup will present its prototype to the program’s steering committee. One solution from each challenge category will then be selected to move forward to a pilot application phase within Alba’s operations, with the potential for wider-scale implementation.
Fostering Corporate-Startup Synergy
The program is a powerful example of corporate-startup collaboration, designed to produce tangible economic impact. Ali Al Baqali, CEO of Alba, stated, “Innovation is a cornerstone of operational excellence at Alba. This collaboration with Tamkeen and Brinc Middle East allows us to work with startups and SMEs to find tech-driven solutions for operational challenges while supporting long-term entrepreneurship.”
Yasin Abu Daoud, Chief Development Officer and Managing Partner of Brinc MENA, added, “The selection of these companies reflects the true value of the program. We are connecting the needs of major corporations with the capabilities of startups to deliver practical solutions that create a tangible economic impact.”
About The Open Innovation Program
The Open Innovation Program is a strategic initiative by Alba, Tamkeen, and Brinc Middle East designed to drive industrial innovation in Bahrain. It connects established corporations facing specific operational hurdles with high-potential local startups capable of building cutting-edge solutions. Brinc, as the program’s innovation partner, managed a rigorous evaluation process to select the participants. Criteria included having Bahraini founders, strong technical capabilities, and the readiness to develop innovative solutions within a corporate governance framework.
Source: Al-Watan News
