Microsoft has announced a new partnership with Bahrain’s CH9, a start-up accelerator that takes an active role in the development of the kingdom’s small and medium-size enterprises (SME) sector.

The partnership, defined in a memorandum of understanding signed by Sherif Tawfik, country general manager, Microsoft Bahrain and Oman and Dr Nazar Albaharna, founder and chairman of CH9, is aimed at developing Bahrain’s software-economy vision through empowerment schemes for technology start-ups. Co-operation between Microsoft and CH9 will also provide cloud platforms to enable the growth of the kingdom’s SME sector.

The CH9 partnership is yet another milestone in Microsoft’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent around the world and providing strategic support to growing businesses and their leaders. As part of its agreement with CH9, Microsoft will co-opt the business accelerator to work with the Microsoft Academic Programs in Bahrain.

CH9 will become an official Microsoft BizSpark Network Partner. BizSpark is a Microsoft initiative aimed at businesses that are within their first five years of operations. Benefits to start-ups include mentorship sessions, best-practice advice and free software.