Key Takeaways:
- Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB) has launched the MENA Innovation Academy (MENA-IA) to enhance fintech expertise and career readiness.
- The academy is in partnership with Reboot Coding Institute, ensuring high-quality education and training.
- Courses will be offered in collaboration with leading global universities, starting with an AI in FinTech course from UC Berkeley.
Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB), a prominent hub for financial technology innovation, has announced the launch of the MENA Innovation Academy (MENA-IA). This new initiative aims to cultivate talent, foster fintech expertise, and enhance career readiness within financial organizations throughout the MENA region.
MENA-IA will be established in collaboration with the Reboot Coding Institute (Reboot01), a leading academic institution known for its cutting-edge programs and industry-focused curriculum. This partnership will ensure that the academy delivers top-tier education and training, leveraging the combined expertise of BFB and Reboot01.
By partnering with leading global universities, the academy will bring exceptional expertise and academic excellence to its offerings. This collaboration will enable MENA-IA to provide a diverse array of courses, including fintech, insurtech, regtech, digital transformation, strategy, leadership, and technical subjects. The comprehensive approach of BFB and Reboot01 ensures participants gain both broad industry knowledge and in-depth technical skills.
The inaugural program will be led by the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) and its Berkeley-AMENA Entrepreneurship and Development initiative. UCB is recognized globally for its research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data, particularly in finance and fintech applications. They will deliver and certify an 8-week course on Artificial Intelligence in FinTech, starting on November 18, aimed at non-technical professionals who wish to upskill and learn the practical applications of generative AI tools in financial institutions. Interested participants can register through the MENA-IA website, with limited spaces available for 50 participants to ensure an engaging and focused learning experience.
This course is just one of many programs planned for the year, as MENA-IA is committed to providing a diverse range of courses and workshops to meet the evolving needs of professionals in the financial and technology sectors. With a robust curriculum focused on practical applications, the academy aims to become a cornerstone of professional development in the region.
For inquiries, please contact re***********@me*****.com .
Bader Sater, CEO of Bahrain FinTech Bay, stated, “Developing fintech talent has always been at the core of our mission. We are excited to scale our commitment by launching a full-fledged academy. The MENA Innovation Academy represents a significant milestone in empowering professionals with the skills needed to excel in the fintech landscape.”
Yanal Jallad, Managing Director of Reboot Coding Institute, remarked, “We are proud to lead Bahrain’s tech education landscape. This partnership with BFB marks a pivotal moment as we expand into the fintech space. The MENA Innovation Academy will shape the future of fintech in line with Bahrain’s strategic vision for innovation.”
Dariush Zahedi, Director at the AMENA Center for Entrepreneurship & Development at UC Berkeley, added, “We are excited to collaborate with MENA Innovation Academy to deliver this cutting-edge AI in FinTech course. AI and Generative AI are transforming the financial services industry, and this hands-on workshop will equip participants with essential skills to tackle real-world financial challenges using advanced tools. This partnership reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and preparing professionals for the future of fintech.”