INJAZ Bahrain Strengthens Future Innovation at 18th Young Entrepreneurs Competition

Manama, Bahrain – INJAZ Bahrain has successfully wrapped up the 18th edition of its flagship Young Entrepreneurs Competition, a two-day event held at the Gulf Hotel Bahrain. This competition showcased the Kingdom’s most promising young innovators and business leaders.

The event served as the culmination of the 2026 Company Program, one of INJAZ Bahrain’s premier entrepreneurship initiatives. Over 1,100 students from universities and high schools across Bahrain participated, with more than 140 students representing 20 student companies—10 from universities and 10 from high schools—advancing to the national finals.

The competition commenced on June 17 with an assessment day, where teams presented their business ventures to a distinguished panel of judges, including industry leaders and business professionals. The event concluded on June 18 with an awards ceremony that recognized exceptional achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, financial performance, technology, and leadership.

Her Highness Sheikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain, remarked on the significance of the competition, stating that it continues to highlight the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Bahrain’s youth. She emphasized the importance of providing students with a platform that transforms classroom learning into practical business experience, preparing them for success in a 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 (by CrediMax)
• Best Financial Performance Award: Peel from Al Hekma International School (by BBK)
• Best Video Award: 2aman from Britus International School (by BASREC)
• Excellence in Technology Award: Axis from University of Bahrain (by Tamkeen)
• Excellence in ESG Award: Genius from Bahrain Polytechnic (by Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons)
• Rising CEO Award: Mohammed Khawajki, CEO of ZEROIL from University of Strathclyde Bahrain (by stc Bahrain)

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

Judging Panel and Industry Representation

The judging panel for both the High School and University Tracks included distinguished individuals from prominent organizations. Notable judges for the High School Track 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 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.

INJAZ Bahrain also hosted judges for the signature awards, including Ms. Narjis Almoosawi from BASREC, Ms. Yara Ishaq from BBK, Ms. Nada Mohamed from CrediMax, Ms. Maryam Rahimi from Tamkeen, and Mr. Namit Bhatia from YK AlMoayyed & Sons.

Development Opportunities for Participants

Beyond the competition, participating students gained access to a variety of development opportunities. These included exclusive CEO job shadowing experiences, scholarships, internships, KPMG Life Skills Courses, and other 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; and Signature Sponsors CrediMax, BBK, BASREC, Tamkeen, stc Bahrain, and Y.K. Almoayyed & Sons.

Since its establishment in 2005 as a member 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 needed to thrive in a global economy.

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Published on 2026-06-21 15:04:00 • By the Editorial Desk