Innovation StudioBootcamp and hackathon
Build real tech
Two weeks of evenings in Kuwait. Ten teams turn ideas into technology projects, test what they build, and share their work in a public demo.
- Build
- Test
- Demo
Applications open
Starts January 2027
Ten teams will be selected. Apply in about eight minutes, solo or as a team.
Free · In person in Kuwait · Arabic and English
A programme for people who want to build, not just talk.
A two-week evening programme in January 2027 for turning ideas into technology projects. Ten teams, open to anyone in Kuwait, explore a problem, choose their tools and spend most of each evening building, with a short clinic to start. Develop a prototype, a clickable mockup or a pitch with evidence, then share your work at a public demo.
Ten teams
One to three people each, about thirty people in the room.
Six evenings
Five build evenings and a public demo, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, in person at the Center.
Your seat starts with one form.
Solo or with a team, with a problem in mind or not yet. Four short steps.
The reward
The winning team gets direct, one-to-one mentoring.
Dedicated hours with experienced founders and experts who have built and scaled real ventures. Not a talk, not a workshop: time focused on your team and your project, to take what you built further.
The build
From problem to demo
Choose a problem worth solving, explore the tools and turn your idea into something you can show. Build a working prototype, a clickable mockup or a pitch backed by evidence. Test your approach, improve it with feedback and get ready to present.
Every participant
What you gain by taking part
Whether or not your team wins, every selected participant gets the support to build something real.
A dedicated coach
One named coach works with your team in the room for the full two weeks.
Workspace and tools
The Center's space and the team tool stack, set up with you on the first evening.
A public demo
Present your work to guests and get real feedback on what you built.
Completion certificate
For everyone who meets the attendance requirement.
How it runs
Every evening runs 5:30 to 8:30 pm, in person, Kuwait time.
Sun 15 Nov to Sat 26 Dec 2026
Applications open. We assess every week and tell you as soon as we can.
Sun 27 Dec 2026
Selected teams announced. You receive a short Problem Research Task to bring to Day 1.
Wed 13 to Wed 20 Jan 2027
Build evenings: teams define the problem, choose their tools, build, test and refine, then practise the demo.
Thu 21 Jan 2027
Public demo. Ten pitches, three minutes each.
Each evening: a 30-minute clinic, two build blocks with your coach in the room, and a short share-out. Each team has one named coach.
Open to anyone in Kuwait
Students, graduates, professionals, early founders. You do not need a technical background, a company, or a finished idea.
Solo, with a problem
You have a problem you want to solve. Bring it; we help you sharpen it and find teammates.
As a team
Two or three of you, with or without a problem in mind. Apply once, as a team.
Solo, no problem yet
You want to build and learn. We match you with a team on Day 1.
In person, in Arabic and English. Open to all nationalities, aged 16 and over. Bring your own laptop. There is no fee.
What we look for
- 01Commitment
- You can be in the room every evening, including the demo.
- 02Motivation
- You want to build something, not collect a certificate.
- 03A problem to solve
- You want to use technology to solve a practical problem, and can explain what you want to build or learn.
- 04Team
- A mix of skills, or the openness to be matched.
We read every application. Two people on the team assess each one, looking at your commitment, motivation, project direction and the mix of skills you bring.
Questions
Is it in person?
Yes. Every evening and the public demo take place in person at the Center in Kuwait, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, Kuwait time.
Who can apply?
Anyone aged 16 or over who can attend in person in Kuwait. All nationalities are welcome.
Do I need a technical background?
No. Teams choose their output, and a mockup or a pitch with evidence counts as much as a prototype.
Can I apply alone?
Yes. Apply solo, with or without a problem in mind, and we match you with a team on Day 1.
Do I need a problem or idea to apply?
No. Teams and individuals can apply without one. Tell us what you want to build or learn and the skills you bring.
Is there a prize?
The winning team receives dedicated one-to-one mentoring with experts and founders across technology, product, finance and growth. Everyone who meets the attendance requirement receives a completion certificate.
Do I have to attend every evening?
Yes. All build evenings and the public demo are part of the programme.
Is there a fee?
No.
What language is it in?
Materials are in Arabic and English. Facilitation is mixed. Tell us your preference on the form.
What happens after I apply?
We assess applications every week from 19 November. Everyone hears from us by 27 December, whether selected, waitlisted or not selected this time.
Who runs this?
The Innovation Studio team at the Hamad Abdulaziz Alsaqer Center for Technology and Innovation. Contact: ops@hamad.center.
Bring your problem. Build your demo.
Applications close Sat 26 Dec 2026, 23:59 Kuwait