The Bahraini tech ecosystem is preparing for a high-impact gathering of female entrepreneurs as “Built Different” returns for its second edition this May. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Standard Chartered Foundation, in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay and Village Capital, will host an evening of honest conversation centered on the intersection of women, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. Held at the Innovate for Bahrain center in Riyadat Mall, the event is designed for women who are currently building tech startups, exploring funding paths, or simply curious about how AI is reshaping the business landscape in 2026.
Event Details
- What: Networking Event, Panel Discussion, and Program Information Session
- When: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Where: Innovate for Bahrain – Riyadat Mall, A’ali (In-Person)
- Focus Areas: Women in Tech, AI Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Fundraising
About The Event
“Built Different” is an initiative under the broader “Women in Tech: Bahrain” program, a global flagship project by the Standard Chartered Foundation designed to support female-led entrepreneurial ventures. This specific event serves as both an inspiration session and a practical roadmap for local founders. The mission is to move beyond surface-level networking to facilitate “honest conversations” about the realities of building a business in 2026. Attendees will hear directly from program alumni who have successfully navigated the transition from idea to scalable business, providing a realistic blueprint for the next generation of success stories in the Kingdom.
What to Expect
The evening is structured to be both informative and highly interactive, featuring:
- Alumni Panel Discussion: Hear bold ideas and lessons learned from women founders who have already built and scaled tech-enabled businesses in the region.
- AI Integration Insights: A deep dive into what AI actually means for startup founders today and how to leverage it for competitive advantage.
- Program Walkthrough: A live, step-by-step guide to the Women in Tech: Bahrain 2026 program application process, ensuring prospective applicants have the best chance of selection.
- Live Q&A: An open floor session where attendees can get immediate answers to questions regarding funding, mentorship, and program requirements.
- High-Level Networking: Opportunities to connect with representatives from Bahrain FinTech Bay, UNIDO, and Village Capital.
About The Organizers
The event is a collaborative effort led by the Standard Chartered Foundation in partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay, one of the leading FinTech hubs in the MENA region. Support is also provided by Village Capital, a global venture capital firm specializing in impact investing, and UNIDO ITPO Bahrain, which works to promote industrial and technological investment. The host venue, Innovate for Bahrain, is a dedicated space in Riyadat Mall focused on fostering local innovation and supporting the national entrepreneurial ecosystem.
How to Attend
This event is free to attend, but registration is mandatory as seats are strictly limited. The session is ideal for women at any stage of their journey—from those with just a concept to growth-stage founders looking for a strategic reset. Interested attendees can secure their place by completing the registration form via the official link.
Learn More: Innovate for Bahrain
