Batelco, the Kingdom’s leading telecommunications service provider has announced the launch of an Entrepreneurs Support Progamme (ESP) which has been designed to encourage aspiring young entrepreneurs to develop and implement their ICT business ideas. The programme has been developed in line with Batelco’s ideas Centre, which is a state-of-the-art facility featuring the latest communications technologies, located at Batelco’s Hamala Headquarters.
Batelco’s ideas Centre, which was opened in November 2012, recently launched its own website which is designed to give an overview about the technologies on show at the Centre. Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to view the new ideas Centre website to find out what innovative projects Batelco is currently working on. Furthermore, they may apply online for the opportunity to use Batelco’s incubation services, available at the Centre’s Entrepreneurs Zone, to set up or evolve their ICT business idea. Batelco is the only player in Bahrain’s ICT industry offering services for entrepreneurs to work on and develop their innovative projects.
In other efforts to foster the development of new ICT businesses in Bahrain, Batelco held its second annual Startup Weekend in November 2012. The Startup Weekend event provided the opportunity for young people to form teams and devise a business plan, for their innovative ideas, over the course of the weekend. The teams presented their business models to a panel of leading business executives as part of the competition to win cash prizes and incubation services at Batelco’s ideas to support the further development of their innovative ideas.
Additionally, Batelco plans to sign some strategic partnerships with relevant associations in order to support entrepreneurs with their future projects. Currently, Batelco and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), Bahrain’s leading Development Financial Institution, are collaborating to offer a great opportunity to aspiring entrepreneurs by holding a national contest to find the best innovative projects within the domain of Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Batelco ideas website also includes an online application form to allow members of the public to book a visit to the Centre. A number of VIP visitors and members of the press have already enjoyed guided tours of the Centre. Interested parties are invited to access the website at www.batelcoideas.com for more information or to book a visit to the Centre.
Batelco General Manager Strategy and Business Development Hamza Ali said that Batelco would continue to evolve to be more than just a leader in telecommunications, by establishing itself as a leader in the provision of not only communications solutions but ICT solutions too.
“Batelco’s ideas Centre, which is enhanced on an ongoing basis to add new emerging technologies, is a great venue for technical or ICT students to visit. It is also the perfect location for budding entrepreneurs to work in, thanks to the availability of world class communication tools and on-site expertise from Batelco skilled employees,” he added.