Startup Bahrain, the kingdom’s leading national platform supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen), hosted the 24th edition of its “Startup Bahrain Pitch” event, spotlighting the nation’s most promising new ventures. The competition, backed by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Board, aims to foster innovation among Bahraini youth and strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Emerging victorious from a competitive field were AI-powered styling platform StylistWithin and EdTech career guidance platform Darb, which secured first and second place, respectively.
A Platform for Emerging Innovators
The event showcased a diverse range of early-stage companies. Alongside the winners, participants included “Selano,” a one-stop platform for event organization and service booking, and “Katkoot,” a subscription-based service offering curated, eco-friendly toy rentals for children. Each startup presented its business model to a distinguished panel of judges from across the region’s investment and tech landscape.
The judging panel featured Fouad Fattal, Vice President of Commercial at Astrolabs; Ali Mahmoud, Managing Director at Plus Venture Capital; Marooja Al-Sadi, CEO of Madar Saudi; and Laith Alkhalaileh, Associate Partner at Mumtalakat Bahrain Holding Company.
The Winning Pitches
StylistWithin claimed the top prize for its innovative digital platform that uses artificial intelligence to provide users with personalized styling advice and outfit recommendations. The startup aims to disrupt the personal fashion space by making expert style guidance accessible and scalable.
Darb secured the runner-up position with its digital educational platform designed to support high school students. The service helps students make informed decisions about their future career paths, addressing a critical need in the education sector.
Founder Perspectives
Nawara Kamal Ahmed, founder of StylistWithin, expressed her pride in the victory. “We are proud to achieve first place in this edition of ‘Startup Bahrain Pitch,'” she stated. “This achievement is a strong motivator to continue innovating and developing our work to provide solutions that can compete regionally and globally.”
Zahra Al-Mahoozi, founder of Darb, highlighted the value of the experience. “Our participation added a great deal to us, by benefiting from the feedback of mentors and the judging committee, along with the opportunity to see other projects and learn about the opportunities available for growth in the local and regional market,” she said. “We look forward to playing an effective role in the education field.”
About Startup Bahrain
Startup Bahrain is the leading national platform for startups in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Supported by Tamkeen, it serves as a central hub for the entrepreneurial community, providing resources, events, and a network to foster innovation and help startups launch and scale. The platform is a key initiative in strengthening Bahrain’s position as a vibrant tech hub in the MENA region.
Source: BNA
