Kuwait, 22 February 2025: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) successfully concluded its ground-breaking H.I. Innovation Program, announcing the winners at a grand closing ceremony. The event, held at Courtyard Kuwait City – Al Raya Ballroom, brought together university students, industry leaders, and banking professionals to celebrate innovation, creativity, and the future of financial solutions in Kuwait. The ten-week program, held in partnership with VISA, SIA Partners and five local prestigious universities, exemplifies KIB’s dedication to nurturing young talent and promoting a culture of innovation within the community in which it operates. This initiative directly supports the Bank’s social responsibility efforts as part of its overarching Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy.

The ceremony featured a judging panel with distinguished industry experts, including Mohamed Reyad, Country Head from Visa, Roberto Wyszkowski, Partner & Growth and Innovation Team Leader from SIA Partners, Mohamed El Shareef, General Manager of the Digital Innovation and Data Intelligence Department at KIB, Abdullah Al Awadi, General Manager of Strategy Department at KIB, and Fahad Al Bader, General Manager of the Operations Department at KIB.

The much-anticipated announcement of the winning projects captivated the audience, as they showcased exceptional creativity, strong feasibility, and a transformative impact on the banking sector. The winners, which included Abdulrahman Almutairi, Jana Hadwan, Noor Tahat and Nour Mansour from the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), impressed the judges with their ground-breaking project, Murshid, a cutting-edge solution designed to elevate customer engagement at KIB.

The event’s stage design mirrored the grandeur of international competitions, featuring an impressive panel setup. The audience of 100 guests witnessed a night of engaging presentations, insightful discussions, and inspiring success stories. A highlight of the ceremony was the Student Journey Video, showcasing the participants’ hard work, dedication, and growth throughout the program. The professionally produced film captured key moments, behind-the-scenes footage, and testimonials, leaving a lasting impression on attendees.

Commenting on the event, El Shareef said: “The creativity and ingenuity demonstrated by the participants were truly remarkable, and we are proud to have provided a platform for these future leaders to shine. Their achievement underscores KIB’s commitment to fostering young talent and driving forward-thinking innovation in the financial industry. The H.I. Innovation Program reflects the Bank’s dedication to empowering young minds, and cultivating a forward-thinking culture within Kuwait’s banking sector.”

The H.I Innovation Program spanned over a period of ten weeks, allowing teams from the five participating universities, including Australian University, American University of Kuwait, Gulf University for Science & Technology, Kuwait College of Science & Technology, and College of Business Administration – Kuwait University, to solve real-world challenges faced by the banking sector. Designed to bridge the gap between academia and the business world, the program offered a unique prospect to develop practical skills and gain valuable industry experiences. The students had the opportunity to work closely with innovation coaches and mentors from SIA Partners to develop innovative solutions to pressing business problems.

El Shareef noted that the H.I. Innovation Program stands as a testament to KIB’s unwavering commitment to progress, serving as a dynamic platform to empower the next generation of innovators, cultivate forward-thinking mindsets, and deliver sustainable financial solutions that evolve with customers' ambitions. By empowering Kuwait’s future trailblazers and fostering ground-breaking ideas, the Bank is reinforcing its role in driving a more sustainable and resilient financial ecosystem in Kuwait, thus strengthening its position as one of the leaders in the Islamic banking sector.

El Shareef added: “The H.I. Innovation Program reflects our deep commitment to developing future banking solutions and fostering a culture of innovation both within and beyond the Bank. We take great pride in the program’s achievements, as it provides participants with a valuable opportunity to bring their ideas to life while serving as a platform for deeper engagement with the next generation of innovators. The students have demonstrated exceptional capabilities in presenting innovative solutions that address the challenges facing the banking sector, reinforcing our vision of enhancing sustainable banking and elevating service excellence.”

It is worth noting that KIB remains committed to supporting the next generation of financial innovators through initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, technological advancement, and strategic problem-solving. With the success of this year’s H.I. Innovation Program, the Bank looks forward to continuing its mission of driving meaningful change in the banking industry, in line with its main slogan “Bank for Life”.