Bahrain’s Labour Fund “Tamkeen” and Salica Investments have announced that applications for the third cohort of the Riyada Business Accelerator Program are now open until September 30.
The programme is designed for early-stage tech startups with Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) or pre-launch products, supporting founders to grow, scale, and attract investment, said a statement.
This partnership aligns with Tamkeen’s strategic priorities for 2025, which focus on enhancing the position and competitiveness of Bahrainis in the private sector, equipping Bahrainis with suitable skills for career development in the private sector, and prioritizing enterprise growth, digitization, and sustainability, and supporting the development of the ecosystem surrounding the labor market and private sector, it said.
The Riyada Business Accelerator Program empowers entrepreneurs to build, validate and scale successful tech ventures through a comprehensive six-month journey designed for real growth. Founders receive hands-on guidance from experienced mentors, practical support in building competitive products, and expert assistance with business financials and commercialization strategies. The program focuses on achieving product-market fit while fostering strong team capabilities. Additionally, entrepreneurs gain access to potential funding opportunities through valuable connections with investors and key ecosystem players.
The success of Riyada’s first and second cohorts highlights its growing impact on Bahrain’s startup ecosystem.
Marwa Aleskafi, Director of Workforce, Enterprise and Startup Enablement at The Labour Fund (Tamkeen), commented: “We commend the outstanding performance demonstrated by Bahraini entrepreneurs during the past two editions of this program. The Kingdom of Bahrain offers a vastly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem that enables innovators to launch and advance their projects to more developed stages. We encourage potential entrepreneurs in joining the program to take advantage of this opportunity, which enhance participants' creative capabilities and drive innovation across various economic sectors.”
Sharing her experience, Noor Alderazi, founder of Tamam, shared: “The Riyada Business Accelerator Program has been a transformative experience in building my startup. With the team’s tailored guidance and hands-on support, I was able to refine my business model and significantly improve the development of our tech product. The opportunity to connect with experienced mentors and potential investors has made a real difference in shaping our growth journey. I encourage all entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities and programs offered by Tamkeen, which truly equips you with the tools, network, and clarity needed to take your business to the next level.”
The program concludes with a Demo Day, giving founders the required exposure to connect directly with investors aligned with their sector and stage.
Eligible startups must hold a valid Commercial Registration (CR) and include at least one Bahraini founder. The startup must also have a unique tech-based idea with high potential for scalability locally, regionally and internationally, the statement said.
Interested applicants can learn more and apply on the website www.Tamkeen.bh
- TradeArabia News Service
