Zain Bahrain, a leading telecom and technology innovator, has officially launched its flagship startup accelerator programme, Zain Great Idea (ZGI), in Bahrain. The initiative began on September 24 with its first phase, the Boot Camp, which runs until October 9 at Zain Bahrain Tower.
Now in its 15th year, ZGI has expanded regionally to Bahrain for the first time, offering a platform to empower the next generation of Bahraini tech entrepreneurs. The programme is structured into four phases, designed to identify and nurture local entrepreneurial talent in high-growth technology sectors.
ZGI provides ambitious individuals and early-stage startups with expert-led workshops, mentorship from successful founders, and technical training to refine business models and prepare for investor engagement. The initial Boot Camp phase emphasizes entrepreneurship fundamentals, innovation strategies, and product development, equipping participants with tools to sharpen their skills.
Abdulla Khaled Al Khalifa, Zain Bahrain’s Chief Communication and Investor Relations Officer, highlighted the significance of the launch: “The Boot Camp is the foundation of Zain Great Idea, and we are proud to see talented Bahraini entrepreneurs embark on this transformative journey. This programme underscores our commitment to nurturing the kingdom’s startup ecosystem and empowering local talent with global exposure.”
Following the Boot Camp, participants will move to Super Tuesday, where startups will present their ideas to a judging panel. One finalist will be selected to advance to Silicon Valley for a two-week immersion, gaining access to mentorship, world-class expertise, and exposure to global entrepreneurship ecosystems.