Tamkeen launches second phase of CIC programme with Bahrain Polytechnic

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Labour Fund (Tamkeen), in partnership with Bahrain Polytechnic, announced the launch of the second phase of its Cloud Innovation Center (CIC) programme.

The initiative aims to enhance the cloud computing skills of Bahraini talent and bolster the Kingdom’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems.

The second phase builds on the success of the first, and was designed to support its promising graduates by providing them with a platform to develop and accelerate their concepts in the market.

Based on the first phase outputs, the second phase supports participants in establishing startups, expanding the scope of their businesses, and enhancing their competitiveness in local, regional, and international markets.

The programme aims to expand the use of cloud computing technologies, facilitate the delivery of services, generate innovative solutions to a range of challenges, and encourage qualified Bahraini professionals to embark on entrepreneurial journeys.

Moreover, it contributes to the growth of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector, a key contributor to the national economy, which accounted for 6.8% of the Kingdom’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022 and serves as a primary driver for its digital transformation.

“This collaboration with Bahrain Polytechnic is aimed at developing the cloud computing skills of Bahraini professionals and helping to transform their innovative concepts into successful businesses,” said Tamkeen Executive Director of Program Development and Partnerships Ali Hassan.

In addition to the Cloud Innovation Center at Bahrain Polytechnic, Tamkeen also provides support for a similar program at the University of Bahrain.

Since their inception, these Cloud Innovation Centers have together supported 106 students, encouraging them to innovate solutions through intensive hands-on training facilitated by experts from Amazon Web Services (AWS).

This has resulted in 34 innovative models, which have been proposed as solutions to challenges faced by the public sector.

“We are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders in innovation and establishing a new standard for supporting startups and fostering their growth,” added Bahrain Polytechnic Dean of Applied Research and Enterprise Dr. Philippe Pringuet.