Conference Connects Israeli And Bahraini Businesses

Over 300 Israeli and Bahraini business leaders met yesterday (March 13) to forge connections, and explore potential collaborative solutions for the first time.

The Connect2Innovate conference, held in Manama, Bahrain’s capital, was organized by Start-Up Nation Central (SNC), an Israeli non-profit organization that connects governments, companies, and investors to the local innovation ecosystem. 

The conference, which will run for three days, will include professional workshops, lectures, panel discussions, presentation sessions, and discussions on many topics including the future of startups, and technologies that address sectors like banking, water security and smart energy. 

It follows the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and Bahrain, in September 2020.

By the opening ceremony, an agreement was already reached to promote human capital development between Bahrain and Israel – investments in people through education, jobs, and skills.

The Memorandum of Understanding, or agreement, was signed by SNC and Tamkeen, a Bahraini government agency that trains and assists private-sector businesses and individuals.

The opening ceremony included a recorded speech by Israeli President Isaac Herzog, where he praised Bahrain’s initiative to host the first conference that gathers both nations and provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies to communicate and share expertise. 

“As our region moves from being a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based one, Israel and Bahrain are prime to work together toward achieving this vision. Together, we will blaze a new path forward and this conference is just the beginning as long-lasting relationships form solutions to common challenges are identified,” said Avi Hasson, CEO of Start-Up Nation Central.