Accelerate Your Startup Journey with
A four-week programme for founders building fintech and AI products, with direct access to the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB).
Master the tools. Build the product. Prove the idea.
The NBB Innovation Programme is a four-week, hands-on programme for young innovators in Bahrain who have a fintech or AI idea and want to see it work. Delivered by Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB) in partnership with NBB, it combines practical AI skills with direct access to the bank, so your idea is shaped by what a bank actually looks for in a fintech partner.
Every session ends with something you can use, from an AI playbook and a market brief to a compliance checklist and an investor package. By Demo Day, each team presents a live product it built during the programme, not a concept on a slide.
Four weeks
4 - 28 Jan, 2027
In person at BFB, Arcapita
Apply by 26 November 2026 for the chance to win USD 10,000 in prize money and a three-month incubation at BFB.
About the Programme
The NBB Innovation Programme connects early-stage founders with NBB teams, fintech founders, investors, and the BFB team. Over four weeks, selected teams move from defining the problem to pitching a working product, all leading up to Demo Day on 1 February 2027, where one winning team is selected.
What you walk away with
EVERY SELECTED TEAM
A live product
Built during the programme with AI-powered tools, and yours to keep after Demo Day.
Direct feedback from NBB
Sessions with the bank’s teams, and feedback on your product from the people who evaluate fintech partners.
An investor package
Prepared in week three and reviewed by a practising investor.
Coaching and rehearsal
One-to-one coaching and two full Demo Day practice runs before you pitch.
THE WINNING TEAM
USD 10,000 in prize money
To help take your product to its next stage.
A 3-month incubation at BFB
With access to mentors, resources, and the BFB network.
Who should apply
You can apply if you:
Are 21 or older
Are based in Bahrain
Have a fintech or AI idea at any stage, including concept stage (no existing product is needed)
Can attend in-person sessions at BFB from 4 to 28 January 2027
Who you’ll learn from
Sessions are delivered across three tracks, each led by people who build, fund, or partner with fintech companies.
National Bank of Bahrain
NBB executives and teams lead sessions on the bank’s strategy, AI in banking, what banks expect from fintech partners, and the regulatory and compliance realities of working with a bank.
Investors and founders
Experienced fintech founders from across MENA, investors, and product specialists share how ventures are built, funded, and grown.
Bahrain FinTech Bay
The BFB team runs practical workshops on AI tools, business models, product building, and pitching, supported by one-to-one coaching and Demo Day rehearsals.
Key dates
Nov 29 - Dec 3, 2026
Team selection
Oct 7 - Nov 26, 2026
Applications
Dec 27 - Dec 31, 2026
Onboarding
Jan 4 - Jan 28, 2027
Programme
Feb 1, 2027
Demo Day
