CODED Academy launches Academy X in collaboration with leading organizations
Initiative aims to nurture skills of young women in entrepreneurship and technology
KUWAIT: In partnership with leading corporations and institutions in Kuwait, CODED is pleased to announce the inaugural edition of the Academy X initiative. The initiative is developed in strategic partnership with Zain Group, Gulf Insurance Group, Agility, Talabat and Kuwait University, with the exclusive digital sponsorship of M2R and media sponsorship of Kuwait Times and Kuwait News. In 2024, Academy X aims to nurture the skills of 300 young women aged between 14 and 18 in entrepreneurship and technology. Aligned with
Kuwait’s Vision for 2035, this initiative offers invaluable opportunities for students to shape Kuwait’s technological and entrepreneurial landscape. Academy X seeks to equip Kuwaiti youth with technical skills and programming knowledge and foster critical and creative thinking, thereby driving Kuwait’s development forward. Timely in its inception, this initiative responds to the evolving global landscape, where advanced technical and entrepreneurial skills are increasingly vital.
CODED
Hashim Behbehani, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at CODED, emphasized during the initiative’s launch press conference: “This unprecedented initiative in Kuwait focuses on empowering Kuwaiti young women in technology and entrepreneurship, aiming to bridge the gender gap in the tech sector. Participants in this program will receive foundational training in artificial intelligence for app development and technical concepts, complemented by hands-on exposure to entrepreneurship, thereby equipping them with indispensable problem-solving skills and knowledge to establish tech startups. “Academy X” marks a significant stride in empowering young Kuwaiti women in technology and entrepreneurship, and we eagerly anticipate the upcoming participation of students throughout 2024.”
Agility
Agility Chairperson Henadi AlSaleh said: “CODED’s Academy X provides young women with software development skills that are essential for full participation in a knowledgeand technology-driven economy. Academy X builds on the work of last year’s Ra’idat Al Taqniya program, in which a record number of women took part. The women trained in the Academy X program will be equipped with essential job skills that will be the foundation for their professional success in years to come.”
Kuwait University
Dr Abrar Alhassan, Associate Professor at the College of Business Administration at Kuwait University, said: “Kuwait University supports the efforts of CODED in educating girls about the principles and applications of technology and entrepreneurship. This is achieved through Academy X, a free innovative initiative aimed at empowering girls aged 14 to 18 and transforming them into leaders and innovators in the technology and entrepreneurship fields by providing them with the necessary tools to harness the power of technology and build technology-based and AI-based entrepreneurial projects.”
Zain
Jumanah AlMutawa, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Zain Group stated: “Anticipating the Future of Work, Zain is dedicated to empowering young girls and women, transcending age boundaries to create equitable opportunities for tomorrow’s leaders and entrepreneurs. As part of our commitment with Academy X, we will mentor the participating girls to build a talent pool of future STEM leaders, aligning with Zain’s targets and our long-term strategies for women empowerment in our rapidly evolving world.”
Gulf Insurance Group
On his part, Nawaf Alkout, Manager Motor Department at Gulf Insurance Group – Kuwait, added: “We at Gulf Insurance - Kuwait are proud to support this program, which aims to empower young women in the fields of entrepreneurship and technology, which are considered among the main pillars of the development of any society in the world. We believe in the importance of empowering individuals and developing their skills, and we believe that this program represents an important opportunity to build a new generation capable of keeping pace with rapid developments in the world of finance and business. In conclusion, I would like to express my deep thanks to everyone who contributed to reviving and supporting this wonderful initiative, and to everyone who will participate in realizing the dreams and ambitions of these creative girls. Let’s work together for a better and brighter future for all.”
Talabat
Abdullah Al-Mansour, Director of Communication, Public Relations and Corporate Communication at Talabat Kuwait, also mentioned: “We take pride in our partnership with CODED and support for the Academy X initiative, as we aim to make a positive contribution in society. This feeling stems from our confidence in the Talabat experience, which has inspired entrepreneurship and technological advancement in Kuwait and the region, playing a significant role in the digital transformation journey.
“The wealth of expertise that we have at Talabat can enrich the educational content and practical training experience of this initiative, by aligning visions, goals and areas significantly. This gives impetus to our social efforts to enhance the educational experience for younger generations interested in technology, particularly for girls, who we believe have the ability to add new and creative value to the market.
“Therefore, we affirm our commitment to our development and enriching the societies we operate in, as we also contribute to the development and empowerment of youth by sharing our expertise and resources in such exceptional initiatives, to elevate modern entrepreneurial and technological thinking and build a diverse and sustainable community.”
M2R
Bilal Al-Mourad, Chief Marketing Officer at M2R Group, emphatically expressed the group’s endorsement of women’s advancement in the tech sector, affirming: “M2R Group takes pride in backing Academy X. As pioneers in the media and advertising industry, we are wholeheartedly dedicated to fostering female leadership in innovation and decision-making.” Al-Mourad further elaborated: “This initiative forms an integral part of our continuous Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, which are in harmony with Kuwait’s 2035 Vision for a brighter future.”
Kuwait Times and Kuwait News
Jana Alnaqeeb, Head of PR, CSR and Media at Kuwait Times and Kuwait News added: “Our role as a media sponsor allows us to shed light on the variety of technology and academia opportunities available. We want to showcase the journey of students on their development through proper extensive support and guidance. This program will surely nourish and shape the future of female innovators and all demographics alike throughout society and the ever-changing workforce dynamic.”
CODED encourages all young women in Kuwait to benefit from this unique learning opportunity and register for Academy X completely for free on joincoded.com.