NBB Launches Innovation Programme 2025 in Partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay

The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has announced the launch of the NBB Innovation Programme 2025 in strategic partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay (BFB). The initiative was unveiled during Fintech Forward 2025 as a three-week accelerator designed to empower early-stage fintech startups with the tools, expertise, and mentorship required to integrate AI, refine business models, and scale their solutions.

Focused on advancing Bahrain’s position as a leading hub for fintech innovation, the inaugural edition of the Programme will centre around the theme of “Future of AI Integration,” connecting ambitious founders with seasoned fintech entrepreneurs, NBB banking professionals, and BFB experts. Through a carefully curated journey, participants will gain access to mentorship, hands-on workshops, and practical guidance that supports their growth and readiness to engage with investors and financial institutions.

Commenting on the launch, Hisham Abu Alfateh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NBB, stated, “NBB remains committed to nurturing the next generation of fintech leaders by creating meaningful platforms for collaboration, innovation, and development. This programme reflects our belief that AI has the potential to transform financial services, and we are proud to work alongside Bahrain Fintech Bay to empower startups that have the potential to shape the progress of our industry.”

Suzy Al Zeerah, Chief Operating Officer of Bahrain Fintech Bay, added, “Through our partnership with NBB, Bahrain Fintech Bay is equipping early-stage fintech innovators to effectively leverage the potential of AI and cutting-edge digital tools. The NBB Innovation Programme will not only accelerate the growth of these startups but also contribute to Bahrain’s position as a leading hub for fintech innovation and sustainable economic progress.”

The NBB Innovation Programme 2025 will be delivered in three specialised tracks that blend strategic mentorship with practical application. The Fintech Founders Track will be led by successful fintech entrepreneurs, offering participants access to real-world insights on scaling strategies, growth tactics, and navigating startup challenges. The NBB Track will feature mentorship from banking professionals at NBB, focusing on areas such as regulatory compliance, bank-fintech collaboration models, and innovation best practices within the financial services sector. Meanwhile, the BFB Track will deliver hands-on workshops facilitated by Bahrain Fintech Bay, covering critical topics such as business model validation, investor readiness, and the application of AI-driven tools to support startup advancement and scalability.

The three-week programme will culminate in a Demo Day on 4th February 2026, where selected finalists will pitch their solutions to a panel of judges. The winning team will receive $10,000 cash prize, a three-month incubation at Bahrain Fintech Bay, and the opportunity for potential partnership discussions with NBB for real-world implementation.

Applications are open from 12th October to 8th December 2025, and are welcome from early-stage fintech startups and founder teams with validated ideas ready to scale.

In addition to supporting Bahraini startups, the NBB Innovation Programme aims to contribute to a more collaborative fintech ecosystem by encouraging knowledge-sharing and supporting the adoption of emerging technologies like AI across the financial sector.

To register for the programme and view application details, please visit http://www.bahrainfintechbay.com.