The Build for Bahrain Acceleration Program has successfully concluded and identified the three winning teams completing the acceleration program.
The program received over 150 applications, out of which were 10 were shortlisted to progress to the six-week acceleration program, where they were exposed to a diverse network of thought leaders and mentors who guided them to grow their solutions further.
The top three teams – TullabApp, The Nourishers, and Women Who Read – were selected as winners following a demo day, with each receiving prize money and 3-months incubation at Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB).
The Build for Bahrain Acceleration Program, in partnership with BFB and the US State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), was launched to nurture startups that offer tech-powered solutions to current challenges. It is one of many acceleration programs introduced by BFB’s initiative, Innovate for Bahrain.
To date, Innovate for Bahrain has welcomed over 500 startup applications and provided over USD111,000 in funding to the winning teams.
Women Who Read is a digital book club application that encourages women to read together as a community of reading ambassadors with access to masterclass workshops and a fun customised reading experience.
Shreya Rammohan, co-founder & CMO of Women Who Read, said: “Build for Bahrain enabled us to learn from experts and the ecosystem of startups within the program. We were able to demystify the process of pitching and raising funds whilst also re-strategising the right business model for us. Winning re-affirmed confidence in our approach, and we’ve been motivated to launch the free-access community.
“We have been able to scale to 400 official members on our mailing lists, circulated pre-prototype surveys, interviewed an NYT Bestselling Author, built custom proposals for three entities, established a bookstore partnership in Bahrain, tested a brand partnership campaign, grown our social audience by 12,000 organically and onboarded trainees to support.”
TullabApp is a cloud-based application with a multilingual user interface that is tailored to student’s needs. It empowers students through a secure digital community that allows them to manage their study life, communicate with peers, and share their skills with others.
Azzam Quradhi, Co-Founder, Tullab App, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been a part of this program. The fund we attained has facilitated us to kick-start and launch our app. The incubation program has further increased our knowledge, which allowed us to gain access to various new skills and opportunities. Meeting other startups was one of the most beneficial aspects of this program. We developed relationships with like-minded individuals who provide so much insight as well. The program’s mentors facilitated us to better shape our vision.
“Since the completion of the Build for Bahrain acceleration program, we have officially registered the company and connected with key stakeholders, including the University of Bahrain, for future collaboration opportunities.”
The Nourishers is a directory of lifestyle and wellbeing experts ready to support users in their journey. It also provides coaches with a comprehensive management system and helps in promoting them and their services.
Founder & CEO Hamad Al Saad said: “Bahrain FinTech Bay is a dynamic center that nurtures startups to provide them all the resources and guidance needed to excel. This program played a vital role in opening up opportunities and aiding in the growth of our business.”
