First Place Winner: Yalla Heroes Manama, Bahrain – The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has successfully concluded the second edition of its Digital Banking Challenge 2024, held in collaboration with Bahrain FinTech Bay (BFB). Over the course of six weeks, the challenge empowered young innovators aged 18-24 to develop cutting-edge, sustainable digital banking solutions—aligning with NBB and BFB’s commitment to digital transformation and sustainability. Throughout the program, participants engaged in expert-led workshops, diving deep into digital innovation, financial technology, and customer engagement strategies. These interactive sessions honed their technical and entrepreneurial skills, equipping them to become future leaders in the ever-evolving fintech landscape. From six shortlisted teams, two outstanding groups emerged as winners after presenting their innovative solutions to a panel of industry experts. The finalists were evaluated on key criteria, including ESG impact, sustainability, customer-centricity, creativity, and the potential to transform the banking sector. A Platform for Growth and Innovation The winning teams were awarded cash prizes, exclusive internship opportunities at NBB and BFB, and a three-month incubation period at Bahrain FinTech Bay. This incubation phase grants them access to expert mentorship and resources to refine their prototypes into market-ready solutions. Razi Amin, Group Chief Technology Officer at NBB, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating: “The Digital Banking Challenge is a testament to our commitment to fostering young talent and driving digital innovation. By providing a platform for youth to showcase their ideas and gain industry recognition, we aim to nurture Bahrain’s next generation of fintech leaders and contribute to the Kingdom’s digital transformation.” Suzy AlZeerah, Chief Operating Officer at Bahrain FinTech Bay, echoed this sentiment, adding: “We are proud to partner with NBB for the second edition of this challenge and are truly impressed by the creativity and innovation displayed by the participants. Our fintech ecosystem is shaped by the younger generation, and through initiatives like these, Bahraini youth can fast-track their ideas into impactful ventures.” With a steadfast commitment to innovation and collaboration, NBB continues to drive technological advancements that contribute to Bahrain’s sustainable economic growth, reinforcing its role as a key enabler in the Kingdom’s financial sector.