Tech award
Award Tracks
Each year, the SEFFY Awards highlight the extraordinary achievements of founders, mentors, and enablers who drive growth, inspire innovation, and create a positive impact across the entrepreneurial landscape. From tech innovation to social impact, SEFFY recognizes those whose work truly makes a difference.
Tech
award
Recognizes founders who are reimagining the future through innovative technological advancements
Social
Impact award
Recognizes founders driving positive, sustainable change through responsible practices and social ventures
Outstanding Mentor award
Recognizes mentors who give back by empowering founders with guidance, expertise, and support
Rising
Star award
Recognizes young founders under the age 35 making waves with fresh ideas and impactful
achievements
Ecosystem
Enabler award
Recognizes corporates who champion startups by building partnerships and creating pathways for collaboration
and growth
how to apply
The SEFFY Awards are open to community nominations and self-nominations, allowing everyone to bring forward deserving founders and mentors who exemplify dedication and excellence. Whether you’re a founder nominating yourself, a team member, or a mentor, the process is simple and open to all.
Nominate
Know an outstanding founder, enabler or mentor who deserves recognition? Nominate them—or if you’re making waves yourself, self-nominate!
Judging
A panel of judges evaluate nominations. They’ll be focused on real impact, innovation, and commitment to growth
Shortlist Announcement
We’ll unveil the shortlisted nominees ahead of SEF
Winners Revealed
The winners will receive the awards at SEF’s Networking event, a prestigious dinner, held on SEF Day 1
Celebrating SEFFY Alumni
Explore the stories of past winners and discover how their contributions are shaping the future.
Jay Sadiq
Tech
Rama Kayyali
Social Impact
Abdulla Alhashimi
Mentor
Dr. Ahmed Al-Ali
Tech
Munir Basmaji
Youth
How We Choose Our Winners
The SEFFY Awards are judged by a panel of industry leaders, and ecosystem partners who bring an experienced perspective to the judging process.
Social Impact Award
Outstanding Mentor Award
Rising Star award
Ecosystem Enabler award
Tech award
Differentiation and relevance
- How is the solution different from what already exists?
- Why is this difference relevant to the specific challenge?
- How does it create more value for the customers?
Scale and investment worthiness
- Could this venture scale successfully?
- Would you be interested to ask for a term sheet?
Founders’ Expertise/ Experience
- Has this founder already succeeded in similar fields OR
- Entrepreneurial ventures in the past?
Social Impact Award
Impact
- To what extent can the venture change the lives of people in a
- meaningful way?
Innovativeness
- Is the solution/approach ground-breakingly disruptive or rather does it represent incremental innovation?
Founders’ Expertise/ Experience
- Has this founder already succeeded in similar fields/ entrepreneurial ventures in the past?
Outstanding Mentor Award
Contribution to the ecosystem
- To what extent has this mentor contributed to the positive growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem?
Championing founders’ success
- Has the mentor been deeply involved in certain ventures, and how meaningful was their help to the founder(s) in overcoming their challenges?
Mentor Contribution
- Has this mentor already succeeded in making a difference for one or many founders?
Rising Star award
Vision and Execution
- Does the entrepreneur demonstrate a clear vision for their venture and the ability to effectively execute their ideas?
Early Achievement
- Has the entrepreneur achieved remarkable milestones or shown significant progress at an early stage in their career?
Innovation and Potential
- How innovative is the entrepreneur’s approach or solution, and what is the potential for future growth and impact?
Ecosystem Enabler award
Fostering Collaboration
- To what extent has the individual created opportunities for startups, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to collaborate and thrive within the ecosystem?
Driving Resources and Access
- Has the enabler provided significant access to resources, funding, or networks that have directly supported the growth of startups?
Sustained Impact
- How has the enabler’s work contributed to long-term, measurable improvements in the local or regional startup ecosystem?
Nominate a Changemaker Today!
Help us recognize the founders, mentors & enablers driving real impact. Nominate now and celebrate those who make a difference in the startup community.
Nominations close by January 19, 2025
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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.