Batelco has announced the launch of an entrepreneurs support progamme to encourage the young to develop and implement their information and communications technology (ICT) business ideas.

The programme has been developed in line with Batelco's ideas centre, a facility featuring the latest communications technologies, located at the company's Hamala headquarters.

The ideas centre, which opened in November last year, has launched its own website which gives an overview about the technologies on show at the centre, reported the Gulf daily News, our sister publication.

Aspiring entrepreneurs may apply online for the opportunity to use Batelco's incubation services, available at the entrepreneurs zone, to set up or evolve their ICT business idea.

Additionally, Batelco plans to sign some strategic partnerships with relevant associations in order to support entrepreneurs with their future projects, the report said.

Currently, Batelco and Bahrain Development Bank are collaborating in organising a national contest to find the best innovative ICT projects.

General manager for strategy and business development Hamza Ali said Batelco continues to evolve to be more than just a leader in telecommunications, by establishing itself as a leader in the provision of not only communications solutions but ICT solutions too.

"Batelco's ideas centre, which is enhanced on an ongoing basis to add new emerging technologies, is a great venue for technical or ICT students to visit," he said.

"It is also the perfect location for budding entrepreneurs to work in, thanks to the availability of world class communication tools and on-site expertise from Batelco's skilled employees," he added.-TradeArabia News Service