Investcorp, a global leader in alternative investments, has significantly bolstered Bahrain’s entrepreneurial landscape by sponsoring a new entrepreneurship center at the American University of Bahrain (AUBH). This strategic collaboration aims to cultivate a vibrant startup ecosystem, empowering the nation’s youth with the essential skills and resources needed to drive innovation and contribute to Bahrain’s economic diversification goals.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
The newly launched Investcorp Entrepreneurship Center at AUBH is poised to become a vital hub for aspiring founders and innovators across the Kingdom. Designed to immerse students and the broader community in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment, the center will offer a robust curriculum focused on practical, real-world application. It underscores a shared commitment by Investcorp and AUBH to nurture talent and transform groundbreaking ideas into viable ventures.
Through a comprehensive suite of programs, including workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, the center will equip participants with critical business acumen, problem-solving skills, and access to industry experts. This initiative aligns perfectly with Bahrain’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes human capital development and the strengthening of a knowledge-based economy. “Our sponsorship of the Investcorp Entrepreneurship Center at AUBH is a testament to our long-term commitment to developing human capital in Bahrain,” stated Riyadh S. Al Dhubaib, Partner & Chief Operations Officer at Investcorp. “We believe igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation is critical to Bahrain’s economic diversification and growth.”
A Strategic Partnership for Economic Diversification
The collaboration between Investcorp and AUBH represents a powerful synergy, bringing together Investcorp’s extensive global investment expertise and AUBH’s cutting-edge academic environment. Investcorp’s rich history of identifying and scaling successful businesses provides invaluable insights and real-world perspectives that will be integrated into the center’s programs, giving participants a unique advantage in the competitive MENA startup landscape.
For AUBH, the center marks a significant enhancement to its educational offerings, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning and direct engagement with the entrepreneurial world. Dr. Susan E. Saxton, Founding President of AUBH, emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership. “This collaboration with Investcorp presents a tremendous opportunity for our students to engage with real-world entrepreneurial challenges and develop innovative solutions,” she noted. “The Investcorp Entrepreneurship Center will serve as a catalyst for innovation, fostering a new generation of leaders who are ready to make a significant impact on Bahrain’s future.” This integrated approach ensures that education is not just theoretical but deeply rooted in practical application and market demands.
About Investcorp
Investcorp is a global investment manager, specializing in alternative investments across private equity, real estate, absolute return investments, infrastructure, and credit management. Founded in 1982, the firm operates across the Middle East, North America, Europe, and Asia. Investcorp is renowned for its disciplined investment approach, extensive network, and ability to create value for its clients and portfolio companies. The firm’s commitment extends beyond financial returns, actively seeking to contribute to economic development and human capital growth in the regions where it operates, particularly its home market in the GCC.
About American University of Bahrain (AUBH)
The American University of Bahrain (AUBH) is a leading educational institution in the Kingdom, offering a comprehensive American-style liberal arts education. AUBH is committed to providing a student-centric learning environment, fostering critical thinking, and preparing graduates for successful careers in a rapidly evolving global economy. With state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse faculty, AUBH aims to be a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, contributing significantly to Bahrain’s educational landscape and its broader development goals.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of the Investcorp Entrepreneurship Center is a pivotal moment for Bahrain’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, mirroring a broader trend across the MENA region where governments and private entities are increasingly investing in innovation infrastructure. This center is expected to not only produce a pipeline of skilled entrepreneurs but also foster job creation, attract further investment, and contribute to the diversification of Bahrain’s economy away from traditional sectors.
The success of this initiative will be keenly watched as it could serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships across the GCC, where youth empowerment and technological advancement are key pillars of national visions. The center’s ability to seamlessly integrate academic rigor with practical entrepreneurial mentorship could significantly accelerate the growth of home-grown startups, positioning Bahrain as a key innovation hub in the Middle East.
Source: BizBahrain
.jpg "Egypt’s MUST University Wins National Enactus Competition with Bokra Project")
