PROGRAMS
Programs built for
the builders of tomorrow.
Kickstart Bahrain runs cohort-based acceleration programs in partnership with global partners — connecting startups from around the world with mentors, investors, and the Bahrain market.
EDTECH COHORT 2 — COMING SOON
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
A free 10-week online
accelerator for global startups.
In partnership with The Startup Buddy, Kickstart Bahrain offers a free 10-week online accelerator program designed to support startups from around the world at various stages of growth.
Weekly live sessions, self-paced learning, and practical assignments — culminating in a live Demo Day in front of investors.
The Startup Buddy
Southeast Asia's largest virtual Accelerator-as-a-Service — trusted by AWS, Standard Chartered, and the High Commission of Canada.
01
Who can apply
Open to startups globally, aligned with the focus sector of each cohort. All stages welcome.
02
Cost
Completely free. Participation requires commitment to attending live sessions and completing deliverables.
03
What you get
Mentorship, pitch coaching, investor access, Demo Day, graduation certificate, and eligibility for Bahrain company setup support.
04
Format
10 weeks online — weekly live sessions, self-paced learning, peer collaboration, and a live Demo Day.
EDTECH COHORT 1 · 2024
What we proved with our first cohort.
0
+
startup teams applied from around the world
0
high-potential startups selected for the program
0
live viewers tuned in to Demo Day
0
active investors participated in Demo Day
8 international mentors
Engaged from Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, UAE, and Bahrain — bringing global investment and industry expertise to the cohort.
3 startups exploring Bahrain
Three graduating startups initiated discussions for Bahrain company incorporation post-program — validating Bahrain as a destination.
6,000 newsletter subscribers
9 newsletters distributed to approximately 6,000 international recipients — building the Bahrain startup ecosystem story globally.
COHORT 1 GRADUATES
The startups that went through
our first EdTech program.
P
YC BACKED · $2M RAISED
Pandai.org
Khairul Anwar Zaki · Malaysia
AI-powered learning platform helping school students improve academic performance through gamified quizzes aligned to national curricula. Malaysia's #1 education app with over 1 million users.
Y Combinator backed — first Malaysian EdTech in YC history
$2M raised from YC, 500 Global & Harvard Endowment
1M+ users · Malaysia's #1 education app on App Store & Google Play
L
TECHCRUNCH FEATURED
Laoshi.io
Danil Khasanshin · International
AI-powered Mandarin Chinese learning companion for students and educators — personalized vocabulary tools, AI tutor, and a classroom platform for teachers to track student progress.
Featured on TechCrunch & featured by Apple App Store
28k+ monthly active users on laoshi.io
Serial founder with prior exit at 24, ex-Hearst & Sanoma
K
SISU LAUNCHPAD · FINLAND
Kebloom.com
Allan Lalic · Australia
SaaS EdTech platform building entrepreneurship skills, financial literacy, and leadership for young people — guiding students step-by-step from idea to real business launch.
Named one of Colorado's 50 Startups to Watch
Accepted into Finland's Sisu Launchpad accelerator
50+ schools trialling across US & Australia
E
WEF TOP INNOVATOR
Ekatra.one
Abheejit K · India
WhatsApp-based AI learning platform delivering hyper-personalized micro-courses for underserved communities — quality education with low or no internet connectivity.
World Economic Forum Top Innovator Award
18,000+ learners across India, Africa & beyond
Featured by US Embassy Nexus Hub & NASSCOM
S
NUS MBA · SINGAPORE
Sauwat.Education
Akhmet Ishmukhamedov · Kazakhstan / Singapore
HR EdTech platform connecting schools in rural areas of developing countries — Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya, Kazakhstan — with high-quality online teachers from around the world.
Connecting rural schools across 5 continents with global teachers
Speaker & judge at Chinese University of Hong Kong
Founded by NUS MBA graduate, ex-Kazakhstan Ministry of Education
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
What the 10 weeks look like.
The accelerator is adaptive in nature — tailoring content to the specific needs of each cohort. Core areas covered across all programs:
From ideation to growth strategy
Business model development
Product and service validation
Best practices in startup building
Company setup and doing business in Bahrain
Peer evaluation and collaborative sessions
Fundraising strategy and pitching
W1
Cohort kick off & introductions
W2
Introduction to sector & current trends
W3
Bahrain, MENA & doing business
W4
Evaluate your co-founder & team
W5
Pitch Drill — Part 1
W6
Pitch Drill — Part 2
W7
Pitch Drill — Part 3
W8
Platform development & AI
W9
Pitch Drill Part 4 & mentor matching
W10
AMA session with organizers
W11
Graduation & Demo Day with investors
COHORT 2 — COMING SOON
Interested in joining
our next cohort?
Our next program is currently in planning. Register your interest now and we'll notify you as soon as applications open — spots are limited.