StartUp Bahrain, the leading platform for startups in the Kingdom, has hosted the 18th edition of its StartUp Bahrain Pitch competition, announcing the winning companies after a showcase of innovative local ventures. The event was supported by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, the Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Development Bank.
Key Highlights
The 18th edition featured a competitive lineup and a distinguished panel of judges:
- 18th Edition: The milestone edition of the popular pitch competition.
- 4 Finalists: The event featured pitches from four Bahraini startups: Unlabelled, Jaras, Wajba, and WeFit.
- Key Supporters: The initiative is backed by Tamkeen, the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, the Economic Development Board, and Bahrain Development Bank.
- Winning Ventures: Wajba was awarded first place, and Jaras took second place.
Showcasing a New Wave of Bahraini Innovation
The event featured pitches from four promising Bahraini startups, each offering a unique solution:
- Unlabelled: A mobile app that allows SMEs to instantly create e-commerce sites without technical skills.
- Jaras: An app that helps children learn and explore through short educational videos and interactive activities.
- Wajba: A digital platform that enables food service providers to sell surplus food at reduced prices, combating food waste.
- WeFit: A fitness tech platform connecting users with gyms and trainers for instant booking of memberships and personal training.
And the Winners Are…
After evaluating the presentations, the judging committee announced Wajba as the first-place winner and Jaras as the second-place winner. “We are delighted to have won first place in a competition that aims to support and enhance entrepreneurship,” said Ghassan Asfahani, representing Wajba.
“This win is an honor we are proud of and represents a new turning point in our journey towards more growth and success.” Representing Jaras, Walaa Al-Oraibi expressed her gratitude, stating, “This event provided us with a valuable and fruitful experience in connecting with the entrepreneurship community and exploring new opportunities for growth.”
A Platform Supported by Ecosystem Leaders
The event was adjudicated by an expert panel of investors and ecosystem builders, including Stephanie Nour (Nawa Capital), Ronald Daher (AstroLabs), Hasan Haider (+VC), and Laith Al-Khalili (Mumtalakat). Tamkeen’s support for the initiative aligns with its 2025 strategic priorities, which focus on enhancing the competitiveness of Bahraini talent and supporting the growth and sustainability of local enterprises.
Source: Albilad Press
