Startup Bahrain successfully concluded the fourth edition of the Startup Bahrain Weekend from April 24 to 26, 2025, at Bahrain Polytechnic. This event, a major milestone for Bahrain’s startup ecosystem, gathered over 200 developers, designers, marketers, and founders. The goal was clear: transform ideas into viable startup prototypes in just 54 hours.
Supported by major partners such as Tamkeen, Brinc, Spring Ventures, and Bahrain Polytechnic, the event brought together professionals from various sectors. Participants competed for grand prizes totaling BHD 3,000, along with exclusive privileges from event sponsors. These prizes recognized the most innovative ideas, contributing to Bahrain’s growing reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and technology.
The competition featured a distinguished judging panel, including Marwa Al-Eskafi from Tamkeen and Hussain Haji from Brinc. They assessed a range of startup concepts, focusing on creativity, feasibility, and market impact.
At the end of the event, the top three winners were announced. Wished, an innovative platform that allows users to save products from anywhere, won first place. By scanning a barcode or taking a photo, users can organize products into smart lists for easy reference. The second-place winner, Akeed, presented a communication and identity recognition platform designed for banks, governments, insurance companies, and healthcare institutions. Signify, the third-place winner, developed augmented reality smart glasses aimed at supporting people with hearing disabilities.
To add to that, Sawsan Haider, the founder of Wished, expressed gratitude for the event’s support, saying, “The competition challenged us while offering valuable advice from seasoned entrepreneurs. We’re excited to continue innovating.” Similarly, Hussain Sebaa, the second-place winner, highlighted the event’s role in enhancing his startup journey. Also, he said, “Startup Bahrain Weekend provides invaluable opportunities to help startups grow.”
Furthermore, the surprise of the evening came when NervaGrid was awarded the General Assembly Choice Award. The platform, which assesses governance data quality and AI maturity, gained recognition for its alignment with global standards like GDPR and Bahrain’s new digital laws.
In conclusion, Startup Bahrain Weekend was not just a competition; it was a celebration of innovation and the potential of Bahraini startups. The event showcased the Kingdom’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and driving the future of tech innovation in the region.
