Your Idea, Our Stage Unlock AED200,000 in Grants
Get in front of renowned judges, and compete for one of four equity free grants worth AED 50,000 each with a chance to secure additional Investor funding ranging from
AED 35K to 500K. It’s your time to shine.
Applications close by January, 2025
Pitch Tracks
The SEF Pitch Competition is your opportunity to showcase game changing solutions in EdTech, Tech & Industry 4.0, Sustainability, and Creative Industries.
EdTech
Solutions transforming the way people learn, teach, or access education.
TECH & INDUSTRY 4.0
Solutions innovating processes to improve efficiency, sustainability,
and output.
Sustainability
Solutions that address today’s biggest environmental, social, or economic challenges.
Creative Industries
Solutions that enrich arts, culture, media, or design.
Meet our Sponsors
Meet our Sponsors
Why Compete?
Win AED 50,000 to fuel your startup’s growth. With four tracks, each category has a prize waiting for the most impactful idea. Alongside, explore potential investor funding opportunities reaching up to AED 500,000.
Showcase your startup on a premier platform designed to spotlight innovation. Gain access to an engaged audience of industry leaders and potential collaborators, helping you amplify your startup’s visibility and reach.
Present your ideas directly to top experts and influential ecosystem players. This is your opportunity to gain actionable insights, secure valuable connections, and unlock potential opportunities that can accelerate your growth.
Maximize your startup’s presence across the ecosystem. Gain unparalleled exposure through media coverage, investor interactions, and networking opportunities, setting the stage for your venture to thrive.
Who are we looking for?
Market-Ready Startups
You’ve got early customer traction and are generating revenue.
Relevant Focus Areas
We’re looking for solutions that address real challenges and bring meaningful impact.
Strong Teams
Diverse skill sets make all the difference, and we’re looking for founders who bring them.
Scalable, Tech-Enabled Solutions
We’re looking for startups ready to prove they’ve got a viable and scalable model with tech-enabled solutions at the core.
How We Choose Our Winners
Execution & Feasibility
Market Potential
Pitch Quality
Technology
Team Strength
Celebrating SEF Pitch Winners Over the Years
Every year, SEF celebrates startups that have made a splash in their industries. Here’s a look at some recent winners and how they’ve continued to grow:
Sparkle Haze
Tourism
The Waste Lab
Sustainability
AR Engineering
Creative Industries
Esaal
FinTech
Fortyguard
Sustainability
Simly
Tourism
Application Timeline
02 JAN 2025
Applications Open
26 JAN 2025
Applications Close
28 JAN 2025
Shortlist Announced
1 FEB 2025
Pitch Day at SEF
Apply Now and Take Your Shot at AED
SEF 2025 is where local, regional, and global investors come together to create, connect, and grow.
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ABOUT SHERAA
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is committed to building a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs in the UAE. Through year-round initiatives, programs, and SEF, Sheraa offers resources, mentorship, and valuable connections to empower the next generation of innovators.