Manama: The BNI (Business Network International) Bahrain Chapter proudly wrapped up BINOVATE 2025 on Thursday, 20 February. This groundbreaking two-day event was held in strategic partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation - Investment Technology Promotion Office (UNIDO-ITPO) Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event commenced with an insightful address from Murtala Jinah, the Nigerian Ambassador to Kuwait, alongside Dr. Hashim Suleiman Hussein Mohamed of UNIDO. Keynote speakers Mohamed Al Ali and Audra Shallal captivated attendees with their presentations, particularly Shallal's emphasis on the pivotal role of innovation in stimulating economic growth.
BINOVATE 2025 drew participants from BNI chapters across 19 countries, creating a dynamic platform that sparked international collaboration and powerful networking. Showcasing over 50 exhibitors, the event highlighted innovative products and services aimed at forging lasting partnerships within Bahrain.
The panel discussion focused on technology in financial inclusion, covering aspects such as sustainability, fintech, payments, AI, and the challenges of using AI in financial inclusion. Additionally, 12 start-ups presented their visionary business concepts in a competitive pitch session. The coveted prize money of £1,500 was awarded to Bahraini start-up Temprah, which aims to revolutionize people's outdoor experience through innovative and eco-friendly cooling gear. The product targets individuals working in extreme temperatures, such as food delivery personnel, construction workers, and industrial employees.
Croozz, a Bahrain-based telematics app designed to reduce accidents, and Revent, a Dubai-based tech-enabled platform for pre-owned electronics, won joint second prize of £750. This event highlights Bahrain's commitment to establishing itself as a premier center for innovation and entrepreneurship, setting the stage for future collaborations and advancements across various sectors.
Arunoday Ganguly, National Director of BNI Bahrain, said, "BINOVATE 2025 has not only been a tremendous success but also a testament to our commitment to innovation and collaboration. We are thrilled to announce it will be an annual event." Ganguly told the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) that BNI is a global organization operating in 78 countries, including Bahrain, with 350,000 members. "This is a huge number of businesses whereby being a member of a platform they share business expertise, contact base through referrals," he said.
He added that participants of BNI Bahrain's first national convention can collaborate with local businesses and potentially set up their own enterprises in Bahrain. "The local businesses become our members, so we have more than 80 members right now in two chapters, so these members collaborate with these international businesses," Ganguly noted.