The "Mastercard Challenge on Financial Inclusion for the SDGs: Solving for the Future" has successfully concluded its intensive three-week summer bootcamp, which took place from August 11 to 29, 2024, at Diwan Hub in Manama. Organised by the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and Startup Bahrain, and managed by Spring Venture Services, the programme involved 18 Bahraini university students who developed 11 innovative solutions aimed at advancing financial inclusion to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Launched in partnership with the Ministry of Sustainable Development, The BENEFIT Company, Tamkeen, and Startup Bahrain, the challenge aimed to foster solutions leveraging financial inclusion, modern technology, and artificial intelligence to address SDG-related challenges. Participants received guidance covering key areas such as AI, technology, and business modelling, while notable speakers from Bahrain's financial sector provided insights and mentorship.
The bootcamp provided students with the opportunity to participate in various expert led sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and interactive workshops, enabling them to refine their solutions. Speakers from the Central Bank of Bahrain, Safa Platform, National Bank of Bahrain, STC Pay, ila Bank, and Bahrain Fintech Bay contributed their expertise, encouraging participants to think critically and creatively.
The challenge will culminate in a high-level event on October 3, 2024, at Bahrain Fintech Forward 2024, where five finalists, selected through a semi-final pitch on September 11, 2024, will present their refined solutions. This event underscores Bahrain’s commitment to fostering innovation and advancing the global development agenda through financial inclusion, digitisation, and data.