Bahrain's Reboot01 advances tech talent development with AI, cyber security, and FinTech training

Reboot Coding Institute, also known as Reboot01, is contributing to Bahrain’s digital transformation by training developers with specialized skills in AI, cyber security, and FinTech.

Launched in partnership with the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and supported by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), the institute operates on the global educational platform 01Edu to align its training with industry needs.

The two-year program is designed to produce mid-to-senior-level full-stack developers, with 400 students currently enrolled as of December 2024. Among the student base, 34% are women, reflecting the institute’s aim to make technology careers accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Industry partnerships and employment outcomes

Reboot01 collaborates with over 20 industry partners to bridge the gap between education and employment. These partnerships provide students with opportunities for paid internships, job placements, and industry-driven projects. 

Companies such as Raincode, ila Bank, Array Innovation, and Flooss have already hired Reboot01 students. Raincode, a Swedish developer firm, has established its developer hub in Bahrain, committing to hire 80 Reboot01-trained engineers by the end of 2025. 

An assessment of Reboot01 students conducted by Raincode using the Alva Labs platform found that their technical proficiency reportedly surpassed European benchmarks.

Connor de Freene, Managing Director of Raincode, noted:

“Reboot01 talents bring a fresh perspective and innovative mindset that aligns perfectly with the evolving needs of the tech industry. Their ability to tackle challenges head-on and deliver results has made them invaluable contributors to the success of our developer hub in Bahrain. Reboot is undoubtedly setting a new benchmark in talent development, and we are excited to strengthen our collaboration further.”

Curriculum and recent developments

Reboot01 has recently added a Java specialization aimed at the banking and healthcare sectors, as well as short courses in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and Cloud DevOps. These programs equip students to handle advanced challenges, such as building machine learning tools and obtaining certifications for platforms like AWS, Oracle, and Azure.

In partnership with Bahrain FinTech Bay, Reboot01 also launched the MENA Innovation Academy (MENA-IA). The academy’s first course, “Artificial Intelligence in FinTech,” will begin on January 5, 2025, led by a visiting professor from UC Berkeley.

The institute’s efforts align with Bahrain’s National Economic Recovery Plan and Vision 2030, which aim to position Bahrain as a hub for tech talent in the region. 

Managing Director Yanal Jallad emphasized the role of Reboot01 in achieving these objectives, stating:

“As Bahrain solidifies its position as a regional hub for tech talent, Reboot is proud to contribute to this transformation. By cultivating a new generation of developers and fostering international partnerships, we are advancing the Kingdom’s digital economy and reinforcing its reputation as a hub for talent and opportunity.”

Reboot01’s next cohort selection begins on January 12, 2025, providing aspiring developers with an opportunity to join Bahrain’s growing tech ecosystem.