The Labour Fund (Tamkeen) has launched the second phase of its Cloud Innovation Center (CIC) program in partnership with Bahrain Polytechnic.
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.
The program 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.
Ali Hassan, Executive Director of Program Development and Partnerships at Tamkeen, said that, “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.”
“The partnership also aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom’s digital government strategy, aiming to enhance the private sector’s role as a key driver of national economic growth and promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, it supports the professional development of Bahraini talent by equipping them with new and emerging digital skills, ultimately making Bahraini citizens the preferred choice in the local and international job markets,” Hassan further added.
In addition to the Cloud Innovation Center at Bahrain Polytechnic, Tamkeen also provides support to 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. Cloud computing technologies will see widespread adoption across sectors, which is why it is critical that we provide the necessary training to develop the skills of Bahraini professionals in this field,” noted Bahrain Polytechnic Dean of Applied Research and Enterprise Dr. Philippe Pringuet.
