KUWAIT: CODED, the first coding academy in the Middle East, announces the launch of the second edition of the “Academy X” initiative for 2025. The initiative is in collaboration with Burgan Bank, Zain, Agility, Talabat, KNET, and Kuwait University, with exclusive advertising sponsorship from Add Effect and media sponsorship from Kuwait Times and Kuwait News. It aims to train 500 young Kuwaiti women, aged 14 to 18, at no cost, equipping them with essential skills in technology, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence.

Aligned with Kuwait’s Vision 2035, Academy X provides young women with the opportunity to contribute to Kuwait’s future in technology and entrepreneurship. CODED is committed to equipping Kuwaiti youth with vital digital skills, programming knowledge, and fostering critical and creative thinking—key elements in driving innovation and progress. As the world undergoes rapid technological transformation, the need for advanced technical and entrepreneurial skills has never been greater. Academy X arrives at the perfect moment to prepare the next generation of leaders for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

During the press conference launching the second year of the initiative, Hashim Behbehani, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at CODED, said: “We are excited to launch the second year of Academy X, marking its renewal and growth. After a successful first year, our goal this year is to expand participation from 300 to 500 students, further strengthening our commitment to empowering young Kuwaiti women in technology and entrepreneurship.” Behbahani said CODED continues to equip participants with the skills needed to build tech startups and lead in the digital future through its foundational training in artificial intelligence and app development, alongside hands-on experience in entrepreneurship.

Kuwait University’s Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, Research, and Graduate Studies at the College of Life Sciences Dr Hanadi Abdalsalam said her institution is proud of its partnership with Academy X. “This year, the College of Life Sciences is hosting more than 500 female students within the program, in a step that reflects the university’s commitment to supporting meaningful educational initiatives,” she said. She emphasized that the program helps participants achieve their career aspirations by providing them with the tools and skills needed for digital innovation and tech entrepreneurship. “We are committed to supporting these efforts and believe that empowering girls in this field will create new opportunities for growth and innovation,” she said. “We look forward to further collaboration to strengthen women’s roles in technology and entrepreneurship.” Abdalsalam thanked the CODED team and everyone who contributed to the success of the academy.

Bashar Al-Qattan, Executive Manager – Learning & Talent Development at Burgan Bank, described the initiative as “outstanding”. “Academy X echoes our devoted strategy for investing in Kuwait’s aspiring talents through innovative learning and development programs,” he said. He expressed the bank’s delight to renew their partnership with CODED.

Zain is also sponsoring the academy for the second year in a row. In a statement at the conference, Sarah Al-Rabab, a data analyst with the telecommunications company, said the success of the first cohort has led Zain to expand its support to the second edition by offering an exclusive advanced course for the top-performing participants “This initiative is specifically designed to develop high-potential talent by providing deeper learning, mentorship, and practical experience, preparing them to make a greater impact in the future,” she said. She added that the sponsorship reflects Zain’s commitment to empowering the next generation of youth by equipping them with the skills, tools, and opportunities they need to excel in the tech world, while also contributing to their personal development and unlocking their potential to become future leaders.

Mariam Al-Foudary, Agility’s Group Chief Marketing Officer reflected on the beginnings of Academy X. “Since its inception as a pilot initiative under the ‘Kuwait Codes’ program in 2023, through its official launch last year, and now in its second edition following extraordinary success, Agility is proud to stand alongside Academy X as a steadfast supporter,” she said.

Describing the program as “transformative”, she and praised Academy X for fostering an environment for growth and innovation, empowering the next generation of women innovators in Kuwait. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partners at CODED Academy for their exceptional dedication in bringing such impactful initiatives to life—initiatives that Agility has championed from the very beginning,” she said. “We firmly believe that empowering women in the tech sector is a cornerstone of our vision for a more innovative, inclusive, and prosperous future. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow.”

Vice President and Managing Director of Talabat Kuwait Bader Al-Ghanim stressed the company’s firm belief that investing in youth is an investment in Kuwait’s future. “As a leading tech company, we are inspired by supporting initiatives like this that empower the next generation and help shape a bright future for technology and entrepreneurship,” he said. Talabat’s partnership with Academy X for the second consecutive year is a true reflection of the company’s commitment to building a generation equipped with innovation and leadership in the tech space, said Al-Ghanim. “We are proud of every graduate of this program and excited to see even more graduates in the future as this ambitious initiative continues to grow year after year,” he said.

KNET’s Acting Head of the Business Development Group Khaled Bouabbas hailed the sponsorship, adding that it reaffirms KNET’s pioneering role and their belief in empowering women in the field of information technology. “This sponsorship strengthens the role of women in the field, presenting them as positive role models,” he said. He highlighted the skills KNET shares with students through the program. “At KNET, we are pleased to share with the students what we do to ensure the security and confidentiality of the thousands of banking transactions processed through our network every minute. We also showcase how KNET has adopted AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, enabling us to fortify our defenses and remain at the forefront of cybersecurity in an increasingly connected digital world,” he said.

The initiative’s exclusive media and advertising sponsors were also present at the event. Amr Al-Massry, Department Director at Add Effect said their partnership with CODED reflects their ongoing commitment to supporting creativity, innovation, and empowering young women in Kuwait to step into the world of entrepreneurship. “We believe that empowering young women and enhancing their skills is a true investment in a brighter, more advanced future. We are excited to witness the positive impact of this program in shaping a new generation of leaders and innovators in business and technology,” he said.

Hawrah Al-Yakoob, Head of Marketing and Advertising at Kuwait Times highlighted Kuwait Times’s dedication to curating partnerships with brands and businesses that share the media organization’s values and vision. “We believe in investing in the future, and Academy X is a perfect representation of that investment. It is initiatives like these that demonstrate our shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for Kuwait and the region,” she said. 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.