As part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to play an active role in shaping a culture of innovation and digital transformation in <a href="https://middleeastdaily.net/al-jarrah-represents-kuwait-in-2025-annual-arab-banking-conference/”>Kuwait – in line with its support of Kuwait Vision 2035
Burgan Bank concluded its participation and strategic sponsorship of NEXUS Technology and Startup Summit 2025, Kuwait’s premier technology and entrepreneurship event held under the patronage and presence of H.E. Omar Saud Al-Omar, Minister of State for Communications Affairs. This year’s edition marked a major leap forward for the event and for Burgan’s participation, drawing thousands of visitors and energizing the country’s rapidly expanding innovation ecosystem.
As part of its ongoing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and enabling a digitally driven future for Kuwait, Burgan Bank introduced a landmark initiative at this year’s edition: Kuwait’s first-of-its-kind Investathon – a high-impact financial simulation challenge designed to strengthen financial literacy, strategic thinking, and investment readiness among youth and aspiring founders.
A New Benchmark: Kuwait’s First of its Kind Investathon
Through the Investathon, Burgan Bank invited participants to step into a real-world investment environment, compete individually or in teams, and test their portfolio-management skills through a dynamic, gamified simulation. Navigating real-time market challenges and situations, participants were challenged to grow and sustain their portfolio.
Participants competed for three major prizes, with KD 1,000 for first place, KD 750 for second, and KD 500 for third. The final winners were: Naser Alradwan, Ali Manoh and Aadarsh Sridhar in first, second and third place respectively.
The initiative reflected the Bank’s deep commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), particularly its focus on community empowerment and youth development as part of its support of Kuwait Vistion 2035.
“Innovation and entrepreneurship will continue to be the engines of Kuwait’s future economy,” said Mr. Barrak Jassem AlMattar, General Manager – Information Technology at Burgan Bank, who served as one of the official jurors of the Nexus Startup Challenge. “Our role at Burgan is not limited to supporting this ecosystem, it is to actively shape it. Through initiatives like the Investathon and our engagement at Nexus, we aim to empower aspiring innovators with the knowledge, tools, and platforms they need to thrive.”
“The idea for the Investathon was born during the latest iteration of Burgan’s Ro’ya leadership program, where our colleagues proposed creating an initiative that empowers the community to expand its investment horizons through learning and innovation – with a unique gamified model that’s relevant to today’s tech-savvy audience. Bringing it to life here at Nexus reflects that vision,” added AlMattar. “This competition also directly supports Burgan Bank’s efforts to promote financial awareness and responsible decision-making – turning the experience into a practical learning journey that builds real skills and capabilities.”
Througout the event, Burgan Bank also continued its committed support of Diraya (Let’s Be Aware). In addition to helping participants and the general better understand key investment concepts, the Bank distributed key educational material and shared key awareness messages with visitors, further reinforcing Burgan Bank’s role in empowering the public with practical financial knowledge.
“Supporting Kuwait’s SME community is a core pillar of our social responsibility and ESG commitments,” said Ms. Danah Faisal Al-Jasem, General Manager – Corporate Communications at Burgan Bank. “Entrepreneurs and startups play a crucial role in driving the progressive growth of our economy, and Nexus offers a powerful platform for them to innovate, connect, and gain visibility. Our participation – from the Investathon to our support of the Startup Challenge – underscores Burgan Bank’s commitment to enabling the next generation with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities that strengthen Kuwait’s innovation ecosystem.”
This year, the Nexus Startup Challenge drew an unprecedented 175 startup registrations, from which 20 standout teams were shortlisted for the final pitch stage. Ahead of the challenge, the finalists underwent a rigorous five-day bootcamp designed to elevate their market readiness, refine business models, and sharpen pitch strategies – preparing them for their live presentations at the Arena’s main stage. Restore, the dental AI software, was selected as the winner of the challenge.
Throughout the pitch sessions, Mr. AlMattar joined the judging committee in evaluating the finalists’ ideas, technologies, and scalability, reinforcing Burgan’s role as a key patron of emerging talent and digital entrepreneurship in Kuwait.
Beyond formal judging, Burgan Bank further expanded public engagement at NEXUS 2025 by inviting visitors to vote for their favorite startup directly and exlcusively at the Bank’s booth. This interactive element amplified community participation and strengthened the culture of open innovation that Nexus seeks to foster.
Driving Impact Across Kuwait’s Innovation Ecosystem
Burgan Bank’s participation in Nexus 2025 builds on its long-standing vision to support digital transformation, cultivate economic opportunity, and empower SMEs – a commitment reflected across the Bank’s initiatives, partnerships, and ESG strategy.
By hosting the Investathon, supporting the Startup Challenge, and contributing thought leadership across the event, Burgan Bank once again reaffirmed its role as a leading enabler of Kuwait’s tech and entrepreneurship landscape – and a keen supporter of Kuwait Vision 2035.