StartUp Bahrain Pitch Series: The 27th edition crowned “Cogman” and “Luma” as winners, spotlighting digital and AI-driven startups with mentorship and investor exposure. Digital Economy & AI: Bahrain’s transport and telecom minister highlighted AI and digital transformation at LEAP 2026, stressing partnerships and modern infrastructure to keep Bahrain competitive. Education Policy: Shura Services Committee praised royal support for the 2026-2027 academic year and said legal and executive frameworks must keep pace with evolving education methods. Cloud & AI for the Region: Accenture signed a six-year AWS deal to help Middle East businesses and governments migrate to cloud and deploy AI across sectors like energy and finance. Cybersecurity in Finance: CBB and NCSC ran a workshop on securing financial services data in the AI era, focusing on responsible tech use and rising AI-linked threats. Health Tech Regulation: Bahrain’s NHRA cut medical device registration times and reduced required documents via an upgraded digital service. Energy Cooperation: Bahrain and Japan discussed expanding energy collaboration and investment opportunities, with emphasis on innovation and efficiency. Environment & Biodiversity: Bahrain banned importing, possessing, trading, and breeding mynas and crows to protect native wildlife. Space Cooperation: Turkey signed NASA’s Artemis Accords, joining Bahrain and other regional partners in peaceful lunar exploration. Bahrain Industry Showcase: The inaugural “Made in GCC 2026” Forum and Exhibition (Oct 6–8) will bring Bahraini manufacturers to a regional stage.