INJAZ Bahrain successfully concluded the 18th edition of its Young Entrepreneurs Competition, one of its leading annual initiatives, which brought together over two days a select group of promising young talents, innovators and business leaders from across the Kingdom at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain.
The competition marked the culmination of the 2026 Company Programme, one of INJAZ Bahrain’s leading entrepreneurship programmes, which engaged more than 1,100 students from universities and secondary schools across the Kingdom. Following months of project development, fostering innovation, and benefiting from mentorship and guidance programmes, more than 140 students representing 20 student companies, comprising 10 university teams and 10 secondary school teams, advanced to the national finals.
The event commenced on 17 June with a comprehensive assessment day, during which participating teams presented their business ventures to a distinguished panel of judges comprising leading business figures and specialists from various sectors. The competition concluded on 18 June with an awards ceremony celebrating outstanding achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, financial performance, technology and leadership.
Commenting on the occasion, Her Highness Sheikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain, said: "The Young Entrepreneurs Competition continues to showcase the exceptional creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and ability to overcome challenges demonstrated by Bahrain’s youth. Every year, we witness innovative ideas that address real-world issues while reflecting the talent and ambition that will contribute to shaping the future of our national economy. We are proud to provide a platform that enables students to transform what they learn in the classroom into practical business experiences and prepares them for success in an increasingly competitive global marketplace."
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, across both the secondary school and university categories.
2026 winners included:
Olani from St Christopher's School won the Innovative Venture Award (Secondary School track) Axis from University of Bahrain won the Innovative Venture Award (University track) Zaad from Hidd Secondary Girls School won the Global Impact Award (Secondary School track) Cellupla from University of Bahrain won the Global Impact Award (University track) Lawen from Modern Knowledge Schools won the Product of the Year Award (Secondary School track) Connect from the American University of Bahrain won the Product of the Year Award (University track) Peel from Al Hekma International School won the Company of the Year Award (Secondary School track) ZEROIL from University of Strathclyde Bahrain won the Company of the Year Award (University track)
Signature Awards
Lawen from Modern Knowledge Schools won the Best Booth and Brand Award, presented by CrediMax Peel from Al Hekma International School won the Best Financial Performance Award, presented by BBK 2aman from Britus International School won the Best Video Award, presented by BASREC Axis from University of Bahrain won the Excellence in Technology Award, presented by Tamkeen Genius from Bahrain Polytechnic won the Excellence in ESG Award, presented by Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons Mohammed Khawajki from the ZEROIL team at University of Strathclyde Bahrain won the Rising CEO Award, presented by stc Bahrain
These awards reflect the exceptional talents and entrepreneurial and creative capabilities of Bahrain’s youth, while highlighting innovative solutions with real potential to create positive and sustainable impact across various sectors and communities.
A number of special awards were also presented by strategic partners and sponsors in recognition of excellence in branding, financial performance, technology, sustainability, leadership and creative content creation. These included the Best Booth and Brand Award presented by CrediMax, the Best Financial Performance Award presented by BBK, the Best Video Award presented by BASREC, the Excellence in Technology Award presented by Tamkeen, the Excellence in ESG Award presented by Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons, and the Rising CEO Award presented by stc Bahrain.
The judging panel included Abdullatif Al Mahmood from "EY", H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Al Khalifa from "Bapco Energies", Ishaq Ishaq from the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), and Yousif Engineer from "Bahrain Islamic Bank" for the Secondary School category; and Mohammed Ahmadi from "Mumtalakat", Dr Abdulla Habib from "Alba", Haitham Al Haddad from "Al Salam Bank", and Shaikh Khalifa Al Khalifa from "Beyon" for the University category.
INJAZ Bahrain also hosted the Signature Awards judging panel, including Narjis Almoosawi from "BASREC", Yara Ishaq from "BBK", Nada Mohamed from "CrediMax", Maryam Rahimi from "Tamkeen", Namit Bhatia from "Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons", Ahmed Al Jowder, Aisha Al Hermi and Omar Hashim from "stc Bahrain".
In addition to the competition, participating students were offered a range of high-quality development opportunities, including CEO job-shadowing programmes, scholarships, internship opportunities, KPMG Life Skills Courses, and other initiatives aimed at supporting their academic and professional journeys and enhancing their readiness for the future.
The event was held with the support of INJAZ Bahrain’s partners and sponsors, led by Tamkeen as the Platinum Sponsor; Alba, Batelco and Bapco Energies as Gold Sponsors; and the sponsors supporting the Signature Awards: CrediMax, BBK, BASREC, Tamkeen, stc Bahrain, and Y.K. Almoayyed and Sons.
Since its establishment in 2005 as a member of the global Junior Achievement network, INJAZ Bahrain has reached more than 1,100,000 students through its various programmes, with the participation of more than 20,000 volunteers across more than 290 schools and universities. Through its focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, work readiness and digital skills, the organisation continues to empower young people with the knowledge and skills needed to build thriving communities and achieve success in the global economy.