Manama: 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.
According to Bahrain News Agency, 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 and mentorship, over 140 students representing 20 student companies 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. The competition concluded on 18 June with an awards ceremony celebrating achievements in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
Her Highness Sheikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chairperson of INJAZ Bahrain, emphasized the competition's role in showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Bahrain's youth. She highlighted the platform's importance in transforming classroom learning into practical business experiences.
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 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)
Special awards were presented by strategic partners and sponsors for excellence in branding, financial performance, and technology. The judging panel included notable figures from various sectors, contributing to a robust evaluation process.
In addition to the competition, students were offered development opportunities, including CEO job-shadowing, scholarships, and internships to support their future endeavors.
The event was supported by INJAZ Bahrain's partners and sponsors, including Tamkeen as the Platinum Sponsor, and Alba, Batelco, and Bapco Energies as Gold Sponsors.
Since its establishment in 2005, INJAZ Bahrain has impacted over 1,100,000 students, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed for success in the global economy.