Sharjah Launches Global Startup Competition with Dh700,000 in Prizes

Entrepreneurs and startups from around the globe are being invited to participate in a Sharjah-based competition offering grants and funding worth Dh700,000. Organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) in collaboration with 1Tank, an initiative under the community group 1trepreneur, the competition seeks to identify and support groundbreaking ideas across four key sectors.

Focus Areas and Prize Distribution

The competition will spotlight innovative solutions in EdTech, Sustainability, Creative Industries, and Tech and Industry 4.0, Sheraa announced on Friday.

Sixteen entrepreneurs will be shortlisted based on their applications to compete for a share of the Dh200,000 prize pool during the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), scheduled for February 1-2, 2025.

The overall Dh700,000 funding includes Dh200,000 in grants and up to Dh500,000 in additional funding. Winners will also receive complimentary flight tickets courtesy of Air Arabia.

Each of the four tracks offers a Dh50,000 grant and access to Sheraa’s extensive network of experts and experienced founders. “Selected startups will gain a platform to pitch their ideas live, with potential for immediate funding,” Sheraa noted.

Competition Format

Judges and investors will shortlist four startups per track. Each entrepreneur will be given three minutes to present their pitch during SEF 2025, followed by a live Q&A session with the panel.

How to Participate

Entrepreneurs interested in competing must submit their pitch decks, company profiles, and a brief video introduction by January 26, 2025, via the competition’s official website, sharjahef.com/pitch-track.

Empowering Innovators

Sheraa CEO Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi emphasized the competition’s role in fostering innovation. “This initiative stands as a testament to Sheraa’s vision. We are dedicated to empowering innovative thinkers with resources to transform industries, make a meaningful difference, and position Sharjah as a hub for enterprise and innovation,” she said.

Jimmy James, co-founder of 1trepreneur, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of the competition. “This competition amplifies our commitment to supporting innovation and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into impactful realities,” he said.

Driving Innovation in Sharjah

With its substantial funding and emphasis on mentorship, the competition seeks to attract cutting-edge ideas that could redefine industries and contribute to a sustainable and innovative future. By offering a global platform, Sharjah continues to position itself as a key destination for entrepreneurial growth and enterprise.

Applications are now open for visionaries ready to reshape industries and redefine innovation.