ShareKUWAIT: INJAZ Kuwait successfully concluded its 2025 Company Program competition, proudly sponsored by Gulf Bank, at the American University of the Middle East (AUM). Over two dynamic days, the judging panel selected 15 exceptional projects from both the university and school categories.
As part of its commitment to empowering youth, and in the presence of sponsors, students, parents, volunteers, and educators, Gulf Bank celebrated the top two winning companies: “Amal,” recognized as Best Student Company in the university category, and “Seaclean,” named Best Student Company in the school category. Both teams will go on to represent Kuwait at the Regional Company Program Competition in Egypt, competing against teams from 14 Arab countries.
Gulf Bank’s commitment to youth development
On this occasion, Najla Aleisa, Chief Marketing Officer at Gulf Bank, stated: “We congratulate both winning companies on their well-deserved awards. We also commend INJAZ Kuwait for its vital role in organizing this annual competition. Gulf Bank continues to support the training and mentorship of the winning teams as they prepare to represent Kuwait at the upcoming Regional Competition in Egypt later this year.”
She added, “We take great pride in our longstanding partnership with INJAZ Kuwait, a collaboration that has flourished for over 19 years. Over the past two decades, this partnership has helped nurture countless ideas and student-led companies, many of which have become key contributors to Kuwait’s economy and business sector today.”
Aleisa emphasized Gulf Bank’s strategic commitment to youth development as a key pillar of its Gulf Bank 2025 strategy, in line with Kuwait Vision 2035, which prioritizes investment in the younger generation. She highlighted the popularity of the Company Program competition among high school and university students, noting that it provides a unique opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience in starting and managing a real company, supported by esteemed institutions like Gulf Bank. Aleisa also noted that the successful partnership with INJAZ Kuwait resulted in the training of nearly 25,000 students during the 2024/2025 academic year. Students across all levels — from elementary to university graduates — benefited from numerous training programs. Gulf Bank volunteers actively contributed to initiatives like the “Innovation Camp,” “Company Program,” “How to Start,” “INJAZ Talks,” field visits, and a range of workshops.
INJAZ Kuwait highlights the importance of private sector support
Jaber Ashkanani, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships Manager at INJAZ Kuwait, acknowledged the vital role of the private sector in youth development: “The private sector’s commitment to fostering future generations has been a fundamental factor in INJAZ Kuwait’s success over the past 20 years.”
He emphasized Gulf Bank’s strategic and comprehensive support, particularly its contribution of volunteers and participation in delivering training programs to students. Ashkanani shared that INJAZ Kuwait has trained nearly 150,000 students over the past two decades, across four key pillars: career readiness, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and STEM skills. He highlighted the organization’s ongoing efforts to develop initiatives that address the needs of young people and support them in achieving their future goals. He added: “The commitment to supporting companies in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development goals is a key factor behind the continued success of INJAZ Kuwait. Gulf Bank’s involvement, particularly through its dedicated volunteers, has been crucial in driving these achievements over the years.”
Ashkanani highlighted that this year’s activities encompassed workshops, training programs, advisory and scientific sessions, as well as field training opportunities designed to enhance the practical skills of youth. The annual Company Program competition offers students an expanded platform to launch their own projects, contributing to national economic growth and aligning with Kuwait Vision 2035 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
