Bahrain’s Labour Fund, Tamkeen, has announced a strategic partnership with the globally recognized accelerator, Startupbootcamp, to launch a new program aimed at bolstering the Kingdom’s artificial intelligence startup ecosystem. The collaboration, unveiled during the Gateway Gulf 2025 forum, will introduce a dedicated AI Accelerator to foster local innovation and solidify Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
A Strategic Push Into Artificial Intelligence
The new AI Accelerator program is designed to provide comprehensive support for Bahraini entrepreneurs, guiding them from the initial idea stage to the launch of a market-ready product. Participants will engage in an intensive bootcamp focused on AI technologies and data-driven business models, equipping them with the technical knowledge and strategic insights needed to build scalable and innovative solutions.
The initiative will offer entrepreneurs access to a vast network of industry partners and experts, specialized mentorship, and direct investment opportunities, creating a robust framework for growth and sustainability. This move aligns directly with Tamkeen’s 2025 strategic priorities, which emphasize enhancing the competitiveness of the Bahraini workforce and prioritizing the growth and digitalization of local enterprises.
Fostering Local Talent and Economic Growth
The partnership aims to leverage Startupbootcamp’s global expertise to cultivate Bahrain’s promising talent pool and drive economic development.
Maha Abdulhameed Mofeez, Chief Executive of Tamkeen, commented on the collaboration, stating, “We are pleased to partner with the world-leading StartupBootcamp, which has proven its ability over the years to empower promising AI startups through its acceleration and expertise in this growing sector.”
She added, “The Kingdom of Bahrain is distinguished by the presence of a group of national talents capable of creating change and innovating emerging tech projects that have the potential for growth and expansion, contributing to the creation of quality job opportunities for Bahrainis. Based on this, Tamkeen continues its commitment to supporting these local talents and providing them with the necessary resources to achieve their entrepreneurial ambitions.”
Carsten Kølbek, Co-founder and Chairman of Startupbootcamp, remarked, “We are delighted to collaborate with Tamkeen to enhance the technology sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through this cooperation, we will work with Bahraini entrepreneurial talents who will contribute to solving the challenges of this sector, in addition to creating new job opportunities and driving innovation and economic growth in the Kingdom.”
$4 Million Investment To Fuel Innovation
The program is set to make a significant financial impact, with a clear roadmap to empower the next generation of AI-driven companies in Bahrain.
Hani Murad, Regional CEO of Startupbootcamp and Rainmaking, outlined the program’s ambitious goals. “The program aims to qualify 160 Bahraini entrepreneurs and develop 80 market-ready products over the next three years, and through this collaboration, we will allocate direct investments worth $4 million to support promising projects,” he said.
“The program will also provide participants with the opportunity to connect with a selection of global experts and mentors in the field of artificial intelligence, launch their entrepreneurial projects, and gain access to direct investments that enable them to scale their businesses.”
About Tamkeen (Labour Fund)
Tamkeen is Bahrain’s Labour Fund, a semi-autonomous government agency tasked with making the private sector the engine of economic growth. It focuses on providing a range of services, including financing, grants, and advisory, to support Bahraini individuals and enterprises, enhance productivity, and foster sustainable economic development.
About Startupbootcamp
Founded in 2010, Startupbootcamp is one of the world’s leading networks of multi-corporate-backed accelerators. With over 80 accelerators across four continents, it has successfully supported more than 1,800 startups. Its portfolio of companies has collectively raised over $3.2 billion in funding, establishing Startupbootcamp as a major global force in nurturing and scaling emerging technology enterprises.
Source: Alayam
