National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), the region’s leading financial institution, has launched NBK Ebtakir, Kuwait’s first intrapreneurship program, in partnership with Plug and Play, the world’s largest innovation platform.
The initiative marks a significant step in NBK’s journey to foster a culture of creativity, empower employees, and embed innovation at the heart of its operations, driving sustainable growth and strengthening its position as a forward-thinking leader in the banking industry.
NBK Ebtakir is designed to unleash the innovative potential of NBK’s workforce by transforming employees into active drivers of change.
Through intensive training, mentorship, and exposure to global innovation frameworks, participants will gain hands-on experience in design thinking, artificial intelligence, and rapid prototyping, equipping them with the skills to turn their ideas into impactful banking solutions.
A total of 50 NBK employees were selected following a rigorous assessment and evaluation process conducted in partnership with Plug and Play. Over the course of six months, these participants will work in cross-functional teams to design and develop innovative solutions addressing real customer needs and operational challenges across the Bank. The most promising concepts will be incubated, refined, and piloted throughout NBK’s extensive regional network.
The winning team of NBK Ebtakir will be awarded an exclusive opportunity to visit Silicon Valley, interact with Plug and Play’s global innovation ecosystem, exchange insights with leading technology pioneers, and present their project to influential figures from the international financial and fintech sectors.
Emad Al-Ablani Group Chief HR Officer National Bank of Kuwait
“With NBK Ebtakir, we are reaffirming our belief that the most powerful innovations begin within our own organization. We firmly believe that empowering employees and encouraging them to think and act like entrepreneurs, is the key to fostering a culture where creativity, accountability, and forward-thinking drive development across the Bank’s diverse business lines. This initiative reaffirms NBK’s commitment to supporting its people, who are the driving force behind change and progress. Through Ebtakir, which bridges innovation with execution, teams will be equipped with the tools they need to translate bold ideas into practical solutions that enhance our customers’ experiences and reinforce the Bank’s leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.”
Dr. Philipp Gneiting, Partner at Plug and Play, commented that, “We are proud to partner with NBK on this visionary initiative that places people at the center of innovation. Through NBK Ebtakir, we aim to empower employees to think like entrepreneurs, experiment boldly, and drive transformation from within. This program reflects NBK’s commitment to shaping the future of banking through creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking leadership, and we are excited to connect Kuwait’s brightest talent with our global innovation ecosystem.”
NBK drives digital transformation and nurtures intrapreneurial talent, cementing its leadership in financial innovation. The Bank invests in its people as the foundation of long-term success, uniting innovation, technology, and continuous learning to build a future-ready organization. Through initiatives like NBK Ebtakir, NBK cultivates creativity and empowers teams to lead change across all divisions, shaping the future of banking in Kuwait and beyond.
