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.
The programme is delivered through three tracks
Fintech & external track
Sessions with investors, fintech founders, and product specialists who share how ventures are built, funded, and grown.
NBB Track
Sessions led by NBB teams 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.
BFB Track
Practical workshops on AI tools, business models, product building, and pitching, supported by one-to-one coaching and Demo Day rehearsals.
What do I get?
$10,000
Prize Money
To help take your product to its next stage.
Direct access to NBB
through sessions with the bank's teams and feedback on your product from the people who evaluate fintech partners.
A three-Month Incubation at BFB
With access to mentors, resources, and the BFB network.
A live product and investor package
that you build during the programme and keep after Demo Day.
Am I eligible?
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
The programme is delivered through three tracks
Fintech & external track
Sessions with investors, fintech founders, and product specialists who share how ventures are built, funded, and grown.
NBB Track
Sessions led by NBB teams 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.
BFB Track
Practical workshops on AI tools, business models, product building, and pitching, supported by one-to-one coaching and Demo Day rehearsals.
Key dates
29 Nov - 3 Dec, 2026
Team selection
7 Oct - 26 Nov, 2026
Applications open
27 - 31 Dec, 2026
Onboarding
4 - 28 Jan, 2027
Programme
1 Feb, 2027
Demo Day
