The Bahraini Businessmen’s Association has signed a cooperation agreement with the Hult Prize to organize and launch the global social entrepreneurship competition for university students across the Kingdom of Bahrain. The initiative aims to support young innovators in developing sustainable solutions for global challenges, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Quick Facts
- Partnership to launch Hult Prize in Bahrain.
- Targets university students with impact-driven startup ideas.
- Global winning team secures $1 million in seed funding.
Building a Local Pipeline for Global Impact
This strategic partnership positions the Bahraini Businessmen’s Association as the lead organizer for the local edition of the competition. Working in coordination with the Hult Prize’s regional office for the Middle East and North Africa, the association will engage with Bahraini universities to attract student teams and encourage them to build innovative, high-impact ventures.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will roll out a comprehensive program featuring campus awareness campaigns, training workshops, and mentorship sessions led by industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs. The goal is to equip student teams with the skills needed to design business models, prepare for pitch presentations, and compete on both local and international stages.
An Investment in Bahrain’s Future Innovators
Ahmed bin Hindi, Chairman of the Bahraini Businessmen’s Association, stated that the partnership reflects the association’s vision to support Bahraini youth and strengthen their role in building a national economy founded on innovation.
“We are delighted to sign this memorandum of cooperation with the Hult Prize, a leading international platform that gives university students a real opportunity to turn their ideas into commercial projects with global impact,” said bin Hindi. “The association believes that investing in youth is an investment in the future of Bahrain.” He added that the association will work with universities and the public and private sectors to create an environment that enables students to innovate and represent the Kingdom effectively in the international competition.
Bin Hindi noted that the initiative is part of a national effort to cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of finding creative solutions to economic and social challenges, ultimately boosting Bahrain’s regional and global competitiveness.
Tapping into MENA’s Growing Entrepreneurial Scene
Yana Dbaghia, Regional Director of the Hult Prize for MENA, expressed her pride in partnering with the Bahraini Businessmen’s Association, emphasizing that Bahrain has a promising environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Bahraini students possess the skills and creativity necessary to develop entrepreneurial solutions that make a positive impact locally and globally,” Dbaghia commented. “This partnership will provide an integrated platform for students to benefit from the Hult Prize’s global network of mentors, investors, and experts.”
She also highlighted the rapid growth of the entrepreneurship sector across the Middle East and North Africa, stating that integrating Bahraini universities into this global system will open new opportunities for young talent to build sustainable, impact-driven companies. Introductory rounds are set to begin at various Bahraini universities soon to announce the call for applications, followed by training programs for student teams leading up to the local finals.
About The Hult Prize
Often called the “Nobel Prize for students,” the Hult Prize is one of the world’s most prominent competitions for social entrepreneurship. Each year, it challenges university students from over 2,000 universities across more than 130 countries to devise innovative business ideas that address pressing global issues. The winning team receives a $1 million prize to help turn their project into a functional startup.
About The Bahraini Businessmen’s Association
The Bahraini Businessmen’s Association is a key organization in the Kingdom of Bahrain dedicated to supporting the business community and fostering economic growth. It plays an active role in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and private-sector development, aligning its initiatives with the nation’s broader economic vision.
Source: Albilad Press
