Manama: Microsoft has announced a new partnership with Bahrain’s CH9, a start-up accelerator that takes an active role in the development of the kingdom’s SME sector.
The partnership, defined in a memorandum of understanding signed by Sherif Tawfik, Country General Manager, Microsoft Bahrain and Oman and Dr. Nazar Albaharna, Founder and Chairman of CH9, is aimed at developing Bahrain’s software-economy vision through empowerment schemes for technology start-ups. Co-operation between Microsoft and CH9 will also provide cloud platforms to enable the growth of the kingdom’s SME sector.
The CH9 partnership is yet another milestone in Microsoft’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent around the world and providing strategic support to growing businesses and their leaders. As part of its agreement with CH9, Microsoft will co-opt the business accelerator to work with the Microsoft Academic Programs in Bahrain.
CH9 will become an official Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner. BizSpark is a Microsoft initiative aimed at businesses that are within their first five years of operations. Benefits to start-ups include mentorship sessions, best-practice advice and free software.
Under the MoU, CH9 will create a special incubation award for the winner of the Microsoft Bahrain Imagine Cup. The Imagine Cup is a worldwide annual competition held by Microsoft to encourage entrepreneurial spirit among college students.
“SMEs are the lifeblood of Gulf economies and regional incubator and accelerator units, like CH9, play a vital role in nurturing that potential – finding funding and helping start-ups build the momentum needed for long-term success,” said Sherif Tawfik, Country General Manager, Microsoft Bahrain and Oman.
“We believe we have a lot to offer these SME ecosystems, by working with organisations like CH9 and bringing strategy and longevity to newly formed businesses. That is why we formed initiatives such as the Imagine Academy, YouthSpark and BizSpark; to identify talent early, help it grow and give it the means to keep going, so it can join the next generation of innovators.”
“CH9 was formed to help business flourish and to promote Bahrain as a start-up hub,” said Mohamed Altawash, founder and managing director, CH9. “We have access to venture-capital and angel investors; we put business leaders in touch with people that can get them moving on their journey. We provide a platform that supports, teaches, encourages and inspires entrepreneurs. So, when we encounter likeminded organisations such as Microsoft – organisations committed to the furtherance of innovation – it makes sense that we join forces and ask, ‘What can we do together, to support these start-ups and the vital role they play in our economy?’”
