INJAZ Bahrain Strengthens Future Innovation at 18th Young Entrepreneurs Competition

Manama, Bahrain – INJAZ Bahrain has successfully wrapped up the 18th edition of its Young Entrepreneurs Competition, a significant event that convened the Kingdom’s most promising young innovators and business leaders. This two-day competition was hosted at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of Bahrain’s youth.

The competition served as the finale for the 2026 Company Program, a key initiative by INJAZ Bahrain that engaged over 1,100 students from various universities and high schools throughout the Kingdom. After months of rigorous business development, innovation, and mentorship, more than 140 students representing 20 student companies, including 10 university teams and 10 high school teams, advanced to the national finals.

Event Overview and Structure

The event commenced on June 17 with a comprehensive assessment day. During this phase, participating teams presented their business ventures to a distinguished panel of judges, which included industry leaders and business professionals. The competition concluded on June 18 with an awards ceremony that recognized exceptional achievements across various categories, including entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, financial performance, technology, and leadership.

Her Highness Sheikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain, remarked on the event’s significance, stating, “The Young Entrepreneurs Competition continues to showcase the remarkable creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Bahrain’s youth. Every year, we witness innovative ideas that address real-world challenges while demonstrating the talent and ambition that will help shape the future of our economy. We are proud to provide students with a platform that transforms classroom learning into practical business experience and prepares them for success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”

Award Categories and Winners

This year’s competition featured eight core national award categories, including the Global Impact Award, Innovative Venture Award, Product of the Year Award, and the prestigious Company of the Year Award, each presented across both high school and university categories.

2026 Winners Included:

• Innovative Venture Award (High School Track): Olani from St Christopher’s School
• Innovative Venture Award (University Track): Axis from University of Bahrain
• Global Impact Award (High School Track): Zaad from Hidd Secondary Girls School
• Global Impact Award (University Track): Cellupla from University of Bahrain
• Product of the Year Award (High School Track): Lawen from Modern Knowledge Schools
• Product of the Year Award (University Track): Connect from American University of Bahrain
• Company of the Year Award (High School Track): Peel from Al Hekma International School
• Company of the Year Award (University Track): ZEROIL from University of Strathclyde Bahrain

Signature Awards

• Best Booth and Brand Award: Lawen from Modern Knowledge Schools (sponsored by CrediMax)
• Best Financial Performance Award: Peel from Al Hekma International School (sponsored by BBK)
• Best Video Award: 2aman from Britus International School (sponsored by BASREC)
• Excellence in Technology Award: Axis from University of Bahrain (sponsored by Tamkeen)
• Excellence in ESG Award: Genius from Bahrain Polytechnic (sponsored by Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons)
• Rising CEO Award: Mohammed Khawajki, CEO of ZEROIL from University of Strathclyde Bahrain (sponsored by stc Bahrain)

These awards underscore the exceptional talent and creativity exhibited by Bahrain’s youth, highlighting innovative solutions that have the potential to create meaningful impacts across various industries and communities.

Judging Panel and Industry Engagement

The judging panel comprised distinguished individuals from both the High School Track and the University Track, including representatives from notable organizations. Key judges included Mr. Abdullatif Al Mahmood from EY, H.H. Sh. Khalifa Al Khalifa from Bapco Energies, Ishaq Ishaq from EDB, and Mr. Yousif Engineer from BisB for the High School Track. For the University Track, judges included Mr. Mohammed Ahmadi from Mumtalakat, Dr. Abdulla Habib from Alba, Mr. Haitham Al Haddad from Al Salam Bank, and Sh. Khalifa Al Khalifa from Beyon.

Additionally, INJAZ Bahrain hosted judges for signature awards, including Ms. Narjis Almoosawi from BASREC, Ms. Yara Ishaq from BBK, and Ms. Nada Mohamed from CrediMax, among others.

Development Opportunities for Participants

Beyond the competition, participating students gained access to a range of developmental opportunities. These included exclusive CEO job shadowing experiences, scholarships, internships, KPMG Life Skills Courses, and various career-enrichment initiatives aimed at supporting their future growth.

The event was made possible through the support of INJAZ Bahrain’s valued partners and sponsors, including Platinum Sponsor Tamkeen, Gold Sponsors Alba, Batelco, and Bapco Energies, along with Signature Sponsors CrediMax, BBK, BASREC, Tamkeen, stc Bahrain, and Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons.

INJAZ Bahrain’s Broader Impact

Since its inception in 2005 as part of the global Junior Achievement network, INJAZ Bahrain has reached over 1,100,000 students through its programs and engaged more than 20,000 volunteers across over 290 schools and universities. The organization focuses on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, work readiness, and digital literacy, empowering young people with the skills and mindset necessary to build thriving communities and succeed in a global economy.

Source: www.zawya.com

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