What connects radiology and aviation with algae-based wastewater treatment?
The answer is – student exchange and international academic partnerships, when approached strategically by Ahlia University!
International mobility is one of the mechanisms through which universities connect education with economic, technological, and social activity across different national and institutional systems. This was evident during Ahlia University’s first Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum, organized by Ahlia Centre for Entrepreneurship held on February 4 and 5, 2026.
Two student trajectories illustrated this connection particularly clearly.
One of the keynote sessions featured Mr. Patrick Eiermann, who first came to Ahlia University in 2022 as an exchange student from EPITECH, France. After completing his studies, he returned to Bahrain to establish his business. Six months after launch, his company Azinove is working with clients across multiple countries. His contribution focused on long-term idea development, early execution, and ownership of one’s work. He summarized his approach simply: start before you’re ready!
During the Startup Challenge session, Patrick was one of the mentors, questioning assumptions and guiding participants in refining their pitches in preparation for investor-facing scenarios.
One of the startup ideas he mentored was presented by Ms. Abarna Ayyanar, from Anna University, Coimbatore, who participated through Ahlia University’s International Study Tour programme, supported by TNSDC, the Tamil Nadu government body responsible for vocational and industry-relevant skills development. Abarna’s project, delivered in a 30-second pitch format, focused on converting algae into biodegradable plastic alternatives. The initiative is supported by an existing prototype and has already received government approval in India.
On the second day of the forum, following jury evaluation for the Best Student Startup Idea, another project from the visiting study group received recognition. Mr. Sivaprasath K R was awarded Third Place for his startup Tender Drop, receiving a certificate of achievement and a prize.
The forum demonstrated how international programs operate beyond mobility figures. They create environments where ideas move across borders, students work outside familiar systems, and universities function as platforms linking education, entrepreneurship, and applied innovation.
At Ahlia University, international academic partnerships are structured to serve this role within Bahrain’s entrepreneurship-friendly ecosystem.
