NBB Launches AI-Focused Innovation Programme 2025 in Partnership with Bahrain Fintech Bay

The National Bank of Bahrain and Bahrain Fintech Bay have jointly launched the NBB Innovation Programme 2025, a three-week accelerator for early-stage fintech startups centred on the theme of AI integration in financial services.

Participants gain access to mentorship tracks led by fintech entrepreneurs, NBB banking professionals, and Bahrain Fintech Bay experts. The programme covers practical AI applications in banking, product development, and go-to-market strategy for financial technology startups.

The programme culminates in a Demo Day scheduled for 4 February 2026, where participating startups present their solutions to a panel of judges. The winning team receives a USD 10,000 prize and an incubation opportunity within the Bahrain Fintech Bay ecosystem.

NBB said the innovation programme reflects its commitment to engaging with the broader fintech ecosystem rather than developing all technology capabilities internally. By supporting early-stage startups focused on AI, the bank creates a pipeline of potential technology partners while contributing to the development of Bahrain's fintech sector.

The AI focus for the 2025 programme reflects the growing centrality of artificial intelligence in banking innovation. NBB has been building its own AI capabilities through enterprise-wide deployments including Microsoft Copilot and is seeking complementary innovations from the startup ecosystem.

Bahrain Fintech Bay's involvement provides the programme with access to its network of over 100 fintech companies and institutional partners across the region.