Standard Chartered and Bahrain FinTech Bay select ten female-led startups for the sixth cohort of Futuremakers Women in Tech Programme
The programme is part of Standard Chartered's global Futuremakers Women in Tech Initiative, and is supported by strategic partners including Tamkeen, the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), United Nations Industrial Development Organization Investment and Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO ITPO Bahrain) and Innovate for Bahrain. The programme is designed to equip Bahraini women with the tools, networks, and knowledge to accelerate their ventures and contribute to a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Following a competitive application and evaluation process, ten founders were selected based on the strength of their ideas, the potential for market traction, and alignment with innovation and technology enablement goals. The selection event was held at Innovate for Bahrain in the presence of Afnan Al Zayani, Member of the Supreme Council for Women; Bader Sater, CEO, Bahrain FinTech Bay; Noora Al Nusuf, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand & Marketing, Bahrain, Iraq and Qatar, Standard Chartered; Faisal Alahmed, Senior Officer - Enterprise Programmes, Programmes Partnership Development, Tamkeen; and Ameer Hassan Abubakr, National Investment Promotion Expert, UNIDO ITPO Bahrain. The selected startups span a wide range of industries, including agritech, information technology, e-learning, fintech, marketing automation, and healthtech, among other sectors.
The selected ten startups are: Tamam Technology, Information Technology; Engine, FinTech; TellSaleem, HealthTech; Wajba, Marketplace, Food & Beverage; Nabni, Architecture, Real Estate, and Industrial Engineering; AGRI AI, AgriTech; Voxa, Remote Education, Learning, Training; Sadeed Technology, Retail Technology, SAAS; Goodies, Food & Beverage Marketplace and Planway, Event management.
Over the next eight weeks, these female entrepreneurs will undergo a curated acceleration journey featuring expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentorship, and pitch development sessions. The programme will also connect them with ecosystem leaders and past alumni, fostering a strong network of support and collaboration.
The programme will conclude with a Demo Day, where participants will pitch their ventures to a judging panel, and three winners will be selected to receive financial awards and 3 months' access to a co-working space.
The Futuremakers Women in Tech programme reflects the continued commitment to contributing to supporting the potential of Bahraini women in tech. To date, the Women in Tech Bahrain programme has supported over 51 female founders and awarded more than $310,000 in funding since it launched in 2020.
About Standard Chartered
We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in 53 of the world's most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, here for good.
Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges.
For more stories and expert opinions please visit Insights at sc.com. Follow Standard Chartered on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About Women in Tech Bahrain
In collaboration with Bahrain FinTech Bay, Standard Chartered Bahrain introduces SC Women In Tech, a pioneering initiative tailored exclusively for women. This groundbreaking programmeme seeks to empower women not only in workplaces and society but also in the realms of digital startup ventures and innovation. Through this initiative, the Bank pledges to provide vital support and resources to women in the tech sector, thereby bolstering their contributions to the economy.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tahawul Tech
33 minutes ago
- Tahawul Tech
MBZUAI's MAILIS, AD Gaming to spotlight AI's role in future of game development
Abu Dhabi — Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) hosted the second session of its flagship community engagement platform, MAILIS, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Gaming. The session entitled 'AI Joins the Game' explored the growing impact of artificial intelligence across the gaming industry, from gameplay and innovation to storytelling and career pathways. As part of MBZUAI's Year of Community outreach initiative, MAILIS brings together students, researchers, and industry leaders to exchange ideas and inspire the UAE's future AI leaders. This latest session featured: Rawdha Almeraikhi, Director of Outreach, MBZUAI; Hamdan Al Ali, Ph.D. Candidate in Natural Language Processing, MBZUAI; Boris Kalmykov, Co-founder and CEO of Hypemasters and former executive at Meta and Unity; Marcos Muller-Habig, Abu Dhabi Gaming Sector Enablement Director; and Ariana Bermudez, Project Manager, MBZUAI. Participants shared their observations and experiences on how AI is transforming creativity in the rapidly evolving games industry, and highlighted opportunities for local talent to contribute to global innovation and creation. The session was hosted in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Gaming, the government-led initiative driving the emirate's transformation into a global gaming hub. Rawdha Almeraikhi, Director of Outreach at MBZUAI, opened the session with a keynote focused on the University's commitment to creating platforms that empower young people and stimulate innovation. In her remarks, she said: 'Our MAILIS initiative offers an inclusive space where meaningful conversations begin with young minds, seasoned experts, and aspiring creators, who are excited and passionate about how AI can transform industries such as health, energy, creative arts, transport, and education. In this session, we explored the gaming universe through an AI lens, bridging imagination and innovation.' The program featured remarks from Marcos Muller-Habig, Abu Dhabi Gaming Sector Enablement Director, who discussed the growing impact of AI on the gaming industry, from unlocking new careers to driving business ambition. 'Artificial intelligence is not here to replace creativity or human ingenuity – it's here to amplify it,' said Marcos Muller-Habig. 'In gaming, AI is unlocking new possibilities that were once unimaginable, from personalising player experiences to more immersive storytelling. At Abu Dhabi Gaming, we are fostering local talent in this evolving space, supporting individuals and companies that are exploring new ways to move the industry forward. Abu Dhabi is rapidly becoming a global hub for innovation in gaming, with AI serving as a powerful tool to create new roles and business opportunities – and we're excited to be a part of this movement.' Boris Kalmykov, Co-founder and CEO of Hypemasters and former executive at Meta and Unity, delivered a session on how AI is revolutionizing gameplay and player experiences. Drawing on his global experience in gaming and technology, Kalmykov shared perspectives on the power of AI to reshape the business and storytelling dimensions of modern games. The session also spotlighted original projects from MBZUAI Ph.D. students. Ariana Bermudez Venegas, whose research focuses on computer vision and human avatars, presented work on AI simulation and real-time interaction in virtual environments. Hamdan Hamid Al-Ali, a system developer at Dubai Police and NLP Ph.D. candidate, shared his AI-powered games rooted in Emirati heritage, including Al Sharah and Emirati Tales, which combine cultural storytelling with educational game mechanics. The program concluded with an open Q&A session, inviting dialogue between audience members and speakers on how AI can shape the future of the creative economy. MBZUAI's MAILIS continues to grow as a platform designed to connect academia, industry, and community around AI's most exciting opportunities. By focusing on gaming and creative industries, this session affirmed MBZUAI's vision to nurture young talent, inspire innovation, and contribute to the UAE's global leadership in responsible and inclusive AI.
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
Gulf Business Awards 2025: Celebrating businesses across the region
Attendees at the Gulf Business Awards 2024- File photo The Gulf Business Awards, the region's premier platform for recognising excellence and innovation across industries, is back. Scheduled for September 24, 2025, in Dubai, this prestigious event will once again honour the companies and individuals shaping the Gulf's economic and business landscape. For nominations, click For more information, click Now in its 13th year, the Gulf Business Awards continues to celebrate innovation, resilience, leadership, and impact across sectors ranging from banking and real estate to healthcare, technology, and tourism. File photo Honoring the best and brightest in business The 2025 edition promises an evening of recognition, inspiration, and high-profile networking. Industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region are expected to attend the gala ceremony, where the region's top performers will be recognised for their contributions to economic growth, technological innovation, and leadership. 'This event is more than just a ceremony — it's a celebration of the extraordinary efforts that drive the Gulf's vibrant business ecosystem,' said Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editor-in-Chief of Motivate Media Group, the event's organizer. A platform for regional recognition Each year, the Gulf Business Awards shines a spotlight on achievements across both the public and private sectors, offering a rare platform for industry-wide recognition. Whether it's a startup disrupting traditional models or a conglomerate expanding regional influence, the awards represent a comprehensive celebration of business excellence. Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges composed of regional experts, industry veterans, and editorial leadership from Gulf Business . The judging process ensures fairness, transparency, and acknowledgment of real merit. A look back at 2024's milestone event Last year's edition, held on September 24, 2024, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), was attended by more than 300 prominent business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. The night celebrated outstanding achievements from companies and individuals across key sectors of the economy. The 2024 ceremony also marked a special moment for Motivate Media Group, as it celebrated its 45th anniversary. Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mishal Kanoo, chairman of The Kanoo Group. Recognised for his enduring contributions to the region's commercial and philanthropic landscapes, Kanoo has long been regarded as a pioneering force in the Gulf's business landscape. File photo 2024 winners: A legacy of excellence From innovative startups to established market leaders, the 2024 winners reflected the diversity and strength of the Gulf's economy. Awardees included: EFG Hermes ONE – Online Trading Company of the Year ADCB – Banking Company of the Year AIX Investment Group – Finance Advisory Company of the Year valU – Payment Solutions Company of the Year Amali Island by Amali Properties – Lifestyle Project of the Year TORINO by ORO24 Developments – Best Project Delivery of the Year fäm Properties – Real Estate Agency of the Year Sobha Realty – Developer of the Year Samana Barari Views – Project of the Year PRYPCO – Proptech Company of the Year Saudi Red Sea Authority – Tourism Company of the Year Millennium Hotels and Resorts – Hospitality Company of the Year Alshaya Group – Retail Company of the Year Emirates – Transport and Logistics Company of the Year Mediclinic Middle East – Healthcare Company of the Year GE Vernova – Energy Company of the Year stc Bahrain – Telecom Infrastructure Innovation LEAP 2024 – Technology Event of the Year These recognitions were decided by a distinguished panel that included Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor of Gulf Business ; Helen Barrett, Deputy Chair of the British Business Group Dubai; Robin Joffe, Managing Director of Frost & Sullivan MEASA; and Mahmoud Bartawi, serial entrepreneur and founder. Categories for the 2025 edition The upcoming 2025 Gulf Business Awards will again feature a robust list of categories designed to reflect the evolving regional landscape. This year's classifications include: Overall awards Lifetime Achievement Company of the Year Business Leader of the Year Company awards Banking Company of the Year Real Estate Company of the Year Tourism and Hospitality Company of the Year Retail Company of the Year Transport Company of the Year Healthcare Company of the Year Energy Company of the Year Technology Company of the Year Investment Company of the Year Logistics Company of the Year Leader awards Banking Leader of the Year Real Estate Leader of the Year Tourism & Hospitality Leader of the Year Retail Leader of the Year Transport Leader of the Year Healthcare Leader of the Year Energy Leader of the Year Technology Leader of the Year Investment Leader of the Year Logistics Leader of the Year Editor's choice awards Artificial Intelligence Innovator of the Year Blockchain Innovator of the Year SME of the Year Education Institution of the Year MICE Business of the Year These categories reflect the Gulf's forward-looking, innovation-driven economy and will help honor those pioneering new paths in both traditional and emerging industries. Why should you attend the event? For entrepreneurs, executives, and decision-makers, the Gulf Business Awards offers much more than recognition. The event is a rare opportunity to network with industry peers, share insights, and build connections with regional influencers. It also serves as an excellent platform for businesses seeking to boost their credibility and brand exposure across the GCC. With a legacy of over a decade, the Gulf Business Awards continues to play a vital role in fostering a culture of excellence and resilience among Gulf enterprises. As the region undergoes rapid transformation, events like these ensure that innovation and leadership remain at the forefront of business conversations. Mark your calendar The Gulf Business Awards 2025 will be held in Dubai on September 24. Nominations are open across all categories, and companies and individuals interested in being part of this prestigious recognition are encouraged to apply early. For more information and a full list of categories, visit the Nomination payment options To submit a nomination, all participants must register online. Fees apply per company or individual, per category, and vary depending on the number of nominations submitted: 1–4 categories: Dhs735 per category ($200) 5–9 categories: Dhs643 per category (minimum of 5 nominations required) ($175) 10+ categories: Dhs550 per category (minimum of 10 nominations required) ($150) Each registration includes online entry processing and digital collateral Please note: These fees also apply to all Leader category nominations. Click on the Judges This esteemed panel of judges brings extensive expertise across media, business, technology, and innovation. With decades of leadership experience and significant regional influence, I an F airservice ( Managing Partner and Group Editor-in-Chief, Motivate Media Group ) Ian Fairservice founded Motivate in 1979 with the launch of What's On , the UAE's first independent magazine. With a diverse portfolio of award-winning publications—including Gulf Business , Emirates Woman , and Identity —Motivate's consumer and trade brands reach over 2.5 million users per month. The group's Books division, established in 1986, has published more than 300 titles. In addition to books and magazines, Motivate produces content across video, digital media, exhibitions and events, social media, influencer marketing, out-of-home media, talent management, training, and cinema. M ishal Kanoo ( Chairman, The Kanoo Group ) Mishal Kanoo is Chairman of The Kanoo Group, one of the Gulf region's largest and oldest family-owned conglomerates. Operating across multiple sectors, the group is widely recognized for its longstanding contribution to the region's economic development. A respected business leader and futurist, Mr. Kanoo is known for his strategic foresight and economic commentary. He holds leadership roles in several companies, including Gulf Capital, KHK & Partners, Dalma Capital, Crane Industrial Services, Akzo Nobel UAE Paints, and KAAF Investments. In 2024, he received Gulf Business ' Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his regional impact. Kanoo began his career within the family business before gaining experience as an auditor at Arthur Andersen in Dubai. He holds two MBAs—one in finance from the University of St. Thomas, Texas, and another from the American University of Sharjah. Beyond business, he is a published writer in regional media and business journals, and a motivational speaker passionate about mentoring others. He upholds the Kanoo family's legacy of excellence, integrity, and philanthropy. Jawad Jalal Abbassi ( Head of Middle East and North Africa (MENA), GSMA ) Jawad Jalal Abbassi is Head of the MENA region at the GSMA, overseeing activities across 25 countries. He leads the GSMA's regional advocacy and strategic programs—focusing on 5G, IoT, AI, and digital identity—working with mobile operators, regulators, and policymakers to promote sustainable mobile broadband investment. Jawad's team collaborates with GSMA's global offices, engaging stakeholders to advance the mobile sector's role in economic development. He is a frequent speaker at regional technology and communications forums. He joined the GSMA in 2015 after founding the Arab Advisors Group in 2001, a leading research and consulting firm later partially acquired by the Arab Jordan Investment Bank. Previously, he worked as a telecoms and tech analyst with the Yankee Group and the Economist Intelligence Unit in Boston. Jawad holds a BSc in engineering from the American University in Cairo and an MSc in information systems from the London School of Economics. He has also completed executive programs at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School. Dr Marwan Al Zarouni ( CEO of Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) ) Dr Marwan Al Zarouni is CEO of Artificial Intelligence at Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), leading the emirate's AI agenda under the 'Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence'. He is also CEO of the Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), placing him at the forefront of regional tech strategy. With more than 20 years of experience in technology, digital forensics, cybersecurity, and AI, Dr Al Zarouni works closely with public and private sector stakeholders to shape forward-looking AI and blockchain policies that improve quality of life and visitor experience in Dubai. His leadership at DBCC has accelerated blockchain adoption in the UAE. He is a founding member of both the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and the Artificial Intelligence Ethical Committee (AIEC), helping guide the ethical use of emerging technologies. In 2022, CoinTelegraph named him among the top 100 influential figures in blockchain and crypto. He also served on the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Cryptocurrencies from 2020 to 2021. GARETH VAN ZYL ( Group Editor, Gulf Business ) Gareth van Zyl is Group Editor of Gulf Business , bringing over 15 years of experience reporting on technology and business in the UAE and South Africa. He has held senior editorial roles, including bureau chief for News24's business section, roles at ITWeb (Africa's largest IT publisher), and deputy editor at Earlier in his career, Gareth lived and worked in Dubai from 2008 to 2012, contributing to Windows Middle East magazine, 7DAYS newspaper, and The National . For further information and assistance, please contact: Manish Chopra: Mario Saaiby: Hitesh Kumar: Or call T +971 4 427 3000 and ask to be connected to the Gulf Business Team.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development launches ‘Future Entrepreneur' program to enhance entrepreneurship skills
Abu Dhabi: The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) is launching tomorrow, July 4, 2025, the 'Future Entrepreneur' program to foster entrepreneurship skills among the youth aged between 6 and 18. The key objectives of the program includes fostering innovation, empowering young people with financial management skills and building a new generation of national entrepreneurs using tools for excellence in a practical environment under the guidance of a committee of experts. The program is projected to attract 5,000 participants and develop 2,500 entrepreneurial projects and 1,000 small ventures under the 'Future Entrepreneurs Permit' initiative, launched by the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), an arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) to develop and regulate the business sector, over the next five years. It follows a comprehensive process to select exceptional young entrepreneurs based on their eligibility, thinking methodology, creativity and performance. It mainly focuses on innovative problem-solvers and young individuals with the capability to make a long-term impact on Abu Dhabi's economic ecosystem. The program aims to support participants within certain age groups to innovate, develop and sell products and services in a realistic environment. Through this program, participants will receive expert guidance and feedback, helping them reach an idea pitching stage, where they can showcase products and services in a marketplace to promote and sell them and win awards. The training camp, under the program, enables participants to apply their acquired skills in real markets across various key fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, pre-owned goods market and food and beverage kiosks. The camp will also include a stringent evaluation system to recognise exceptional talents and qualify them to be part of 'Builders of Future Launchpad.' Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said, 'The Future Entrepreneur program is a testament to our wise leadership's progressive vision to support young talents, investing in programs to make them future leaders. Through this initiative, we aim to foster a culture of innovation among youth and reinforce national entrepreneurship, which is one of the key pillars of national economy and a driver of its sustainable growth and diversification. Furthermore, we seek to offer an enabling ecosystem to transform the aspirations of the participants into success stories at the beginning stage itself, allowing them to grow as successful entrepreneurs and create a lasting impact across Abu Dhabi's major sectors.' The initiative is going to start with an opening ceremony, in "Nabd Al Falah" Center in Al Falah City, offering participants an opportunity to register and select their preferred pathway under the 'Inventor' or 'Trader' categories. The selected participants can then engage in a two-week summer camp and gain practical knowledge in pricing and brand development. The program will extend over a four-week period beginning mid-July, with two extensive study days per week. It seeks to nurture skills of young individuals in areas of idea generation, prototype development, budget planning, storytelling and digital tools. About Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development: The Khalifa Fund is an independent, non-profit organisation affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Government. Its mission is to nurture the culture of entrepreneurship, promote innovation, and offer support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the UAE through a balanced ecosystem. Founded in 2007 in accordance with Law No. 14 of 2005 and its amendments, the Fund was established to align with the vision of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former President of the United Arab Emirates.
