Standard Chartered Bahrain and Bahrain FinTech Bay, in a strategic partnership with the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), have announced the ten female-led startups selected for the sixth cohort of their acclaimed Women in Tech accelerator program. This initiative continues to be a cornerstone in fostering female entrepreneurship and innovation within the Kingdom’s thriving tech ecosystem.
By the Numbers
- Cohort Number: 6
- Startups Selected: 10
- Program Duration: 8 weeks
- Total Prize Pool: $30,000
- Total Alumni Businesses to Date: 50+
- Total Funding Awarded to Date: Over $250,000
Meet the Sixth Cohort
Following a competitive selection process, ten promising startups have been chosen to embark on the intensive eight-week incubation journey. The selected companies represent a diverse range of sectors and innovative business models:
- Kashta Tours
- The Stories Studio
- INGOs
- Tahaul
- Ai Spiders
- Tru.p
- Akalati
- Out of the Box
- DouME
- Abaqqat
A Proven Pathway for Female Founders
The Women in Tech program is designed to provide participants with the essential tools and support to scale their ventures. Over the next eight weeks, the founders will undergo comprehensive training covering key business areas, receive dedicated mentorship from industry experts, and gain access to an extensive professional network. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where the entrepreneurs will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for a chance to win a portion of the $30,000 prize pool, with awards of $15,000, $10,000, and $5,000 for the top three ventures.
Noora Al Nusuf, Head of Sustainability at Standard Chartered Bahrain, commented on the program’s impact, stating, “This initiative is specifically tailored to empower women entrepreneurs by offering comprehensive support, including mentorship and financial assistance, to help them scale their businesses and overcome the existing funding gap for women-led startups.”
Suzy Al Zeerah, COO of Bahrain FinTech Bay, added, “We are thrilled to welcome our sixth cohort. This program underscores our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive startup ecosystem in Bahrain. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the growth of these ten innovative businesses.”
About the Women in Tech Program
Launched as a collaboration between Standard Chartered Bahrain and Bahrain FinTech Bay, with the strategic backing of the Supreme Council for Women, the Women in Tech program is a pivotal force in the regional startup landscape. Its primary mission is to champion female leadership in technology by addressing the significant funding and support disparity faced by female founders. Since its inception, the program has successfully incubated over 50 women-led businesses, playing a crucial role in their growth and contributing to the broader economic diversification goals of Bahrain.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the sixth cohort reinforces Bahrain’s position as a leading hub for innovation and inclusive growth in the MENA region. By empowering a new generation of female tech leaders, the Women in Tech program not only fuels individual company growth but also strengthens the entire ecosystem. The success of these ten startups will be closely watched, as their journey from incubation to market leadership will serve as inspiration and a testament to the high-impact potential of targeted support for female entrepreneurs.
Source: GCC Startup News
