The Innovate for Bahrain platform, in strategic partnership with Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) and Visa, has successfully concluded its inaugural Innovation Studio programme with a Grand Showcase at Marassi Galleria. The initiative, designed to accelerate the growth of Bahrain’s emerging creative entrepreneurs, culminated in the selection of two primary winners who will represent the Kingdom’s design talent on the global stage through fully funded international immersion experiences.
Empowering Creative Talent Through Global Immersion
The Grand Showcase served as the final stage of a rigorous three-month journey for Bahraini designers in the fashion and jewelry sectors. Maryam Haji Ali, founder of Bella & Blue, was named the winner of the fashion track, securing an exclusive four-day experience in New York alongside world-renowned designer Reem Acra. In the jewelry category, Sara Buhaimed, founder of Sarrah Jewellery, took the top honor, winning a four-day professional immersion at the Van Cleef & Arpels factory in the United Kingdom to study high-end craftsmanship and heritage excellence.
A Specialized Sprint From Concept To Commerce
Six finalists were shortlisted from an initial pool of applicants to present their business models and creative prototypes to a jury of industry experts and ecosystem leaders. Throughout the programme, participants engaged in a series of specialized workshops and one-on-one mentorship sessions focused on business planning, sustainable production, and digital brand scaling. The curriculum was specifically tailored to bridge the gap between creative ideation and commercial viability, ensuring that the winners are equipped to scale their brands within the competitive MENA retail landscape.
Driving Bahrain’s Creative Economy
The Innovation Studio programme aligns with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 by fostering innovation in the creative and cultural industries. By providing early-stage designers with access to financial advisory services from BisB and the global network of Visa, the initiative serves as a blueprint for cross-sector collaboration. The partnership between financial institutions and innovation hubs like Innovate for Bahrain highlights a growing commitment to diversifying the local economy by supporting homegrown “Made in Bahrain” brands that merge traditional heritage with modern, export-ready aesthetics.
About Innovate for Bahrain
Innovate for Bahrain is a national innovation platform dedicated to accelerating the Kingdom’s innovation economy through strategic partnerships and high-impact accelerator programs. Operating under the umbrella of Bahrain FinTech Bay, the platform works across government, academia, and the private sector to empower local talent and foster a future-ready ecosystem. Innovate for Bahrain focuses on bridging the gap between ideation and impact, delivering capacity-building initiatives that turn bold ideas into sustainable, market-leading businesses.
Source: Innovate for Bahrain
