Latest news with #AccessSharjahChallenge
Khaleej Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah offers Dh500,000 award to two tech startups to help innovate schools
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) is calling on innovators from around the world to help shape the future of learning through its 7th edition Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC). The competition will award two winning startups an equity-free grant of Dh250,000 each with the invaluable opportunity to pilot their solutions in four leading educational institutions in Sharjah. With the UAE's EdTech sector projected to grow at six per cent annually through 2030, fuelled by the nation's drive to build a knowledge-focused society and to advance skills in the age of AI and technological progress, strategic and purpose-driven support for innovators within this important industry is essential for the future. Two key challenges identified The first, the 'Future-Ready Skills Challenge', seeks innovative solutions to equip students with essential digital literacy, computational thinking, critical analysis, and foundational soft skills. This addresses the pressing need highlighted by the World Economic Forum, which predicts that 85 per cent of the jobs in 2030 haven't been invented yet, demanding adaptability far beyond rote learning. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The second, the 'Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge', focuses on instilling a deep, meaningful connection with the Arabic language during the critical nursery and early primary years. It calls for engaging, age-appropriate solutions that foster fluency, cultural appreciation, and a genuine love for the language. The challenge offers a compelling proposition for serious education innovators with a total equity-free grant pool of Dh500,000. Two winning startups will each receive Dh250,000, coupled with the invaluable opportunity to pilot their proven solutions across four leading institutions — Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School, and Al Badee Nursery. At its core, ASC 2025 is a powerful engine for multi-directional knowledge exchange and skill development, and as global entrepreneurs prepare to present their cutting-edge technology and fresh perspectives to be implemented within Sharjah's diverse educational landscape, Sheraa will be there to guide them on every step of the journey. Strategic investment in education technology ASC 2025 represents a strategic investment in knowledge exchange, skill development, and the co-creation of future-ready learning environments, and invites both local and global innovators to partner with Sharjah's educational ecosystem and propel this legacy further. Sheraa, established to empower entrepreneurs and position Sharjah as a hub for meaningful innovation, has strategically designated Education Technology (EdTech) as one of its core Centres of Excellence. This focus directly addresses the emirate's commitment to enhancing learning outcomes, equipping students for an uncertain future shaped by rapid technological change, and nurturing cultural identity and pride. Building on Sharjah's strong educational foundation which encompasses some of the leading universities and institutions in the region, and also evidenced by its private schools achieving an average score of 519 in the 2021 'Progress in International Reading Literacy Study' (PIRLS), exceeding international benchmarks, ASC 2025 zeroes in on two critical and co-defined priorities in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and Sharjah Education Academy (SEA).
Gulf Today
08-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sheraa unveils 7th edition of Access Sharjah Challenge
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) announced the opening of applications for the seventh edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge on July 7th, 2025, with this year's focus on the education sector. The challenge seeks to empower innovative solutions that leverage the transformative power of education to tackle key challenges in learning. This aligns with the UAE's National Strategy for Higher Education 2030, which aims to build an education system that nurtures knowledge, creativity, and future-ready skills. With a total prize value of Dhs500,000, the Access Sharjah Challenge is now open for applications from education-focused startups around the world that have validated prototypes and are looking to scale internationally. Applications will be accepted until August 17. The challenge is being held in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy. The prize money will be divided equally between two winners, enabling them to test and implement their solutions at Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School and Al Badee Nursery. The upcoming edition, organised by Sheraa in collaboration with key implementation partners, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA), invites leading global education startups at the Pre-Series A, Series A, B, and C+ stage to submit innovative solutions addressing two priority education challenges: Future-Ready Skills Challenge, which focuses on equipping students with foundational and digital skills to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow and Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge, which emphasises the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging to the Arabic language and embedding it as a core part of a child's identity from an early age. This collaborative approach ensures that all challenge statements reflect real-world needs and that submitted solutions are positioned for meaningful and scalable impact across Sharjah's education ecosystem. Sharjah leads the future of education: Commenting on the launch, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'We believe that meaningful innovation is defined by its ability to create real impact and expand access to learning. The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 offers a dynamic platform where forward-thinking ideas converge with strategic ambition, enabling the transformation of promising concepts into scalable, real-world educational solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to enrich an already vibrant learning ecosystem, offering educators and students renewed opportunities to embrace tools and technologies that nurture lifelong learning and spark intellectual curiosity.' She added: 'Sharjah today stands out for its thriving educational ecosystem, backed by advanced digital infrastructure and strong collaboration between government and private sectors. This solid foundation positions the emirate as a leader in reimagining the future of education. The Access Sharjah Challenge is an open invitation to the world's most innovative education startups to help shape an inclusive, agile, and future-ready learning model, built from within a community that champions creativity and innovation.' Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), emphasised the importance of the Authority's participation in the Sharjah Gateway Challenge. Through its presence, the Authority seeks to contribute to building an informed and empowered society grounded in knowledge and science. He noted that innovation is no longer an option; it has become the cornerstone of supporting sustainable development, shaping the future, and strengthening the country's competitive position on the global stage. Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, the Chancellor of Sharjah Education Academy, expressed: 'We are proud to partner with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) through the 'Access Sharjah' Challenge by launching our unique challenge, 'Arabic Language in Early Childhood'.
Sharjah 24
07-07-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sheraa unveils the 7th edition of Access Sharjah Challenge
With a total prize value of AED 500,000, the Access Sharjah Challenge is now open for applications from education-focused startups around the world that have validated prototypes and are looking to scale internationally. Applications will be accepted until August 17. The challenge is being held in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy. The prize money will be divided equally between two winners, enabling them to test and implement their solutions at Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School and Al Badee Nursery. The upcoming edition, organized by Sheraa in collaboration with key implementation partners, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and the Sharjah Education Academy (SEA) invites leading global education startups at the Pre-Series A, Series A, B, and C+ stage to submit innovative solutions addressing two priority education challenges: Future-Ready Skills Challenge, which focuses on equipping students with foundational and digital skills to keep pace with a rapidly evolving world and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow and Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge, which emphasizes the importance of nurturing a sense of belonging to the Arabic language and embedding it as a core part of a child's identity from an early age. This collaborative approach ensures that all challenge statements reflect real-world needs and that submitted solutions are positioned for meaningful and scalable impact across Sharjah's education ecosystem. Sharjah leads the future of education Commenting on the launch, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: We believe that meaningful innovation is defined by its ability to create real impact and expand access to learning. The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 offers a dynamic platform where forward-thinking ideas converge with strategic ambition, enabling the transformation of promising concepts into scalable, real-world educational solutions. Through this initiative, we aim to enrich an already vibrant learning ecosystem, offering educators and students renewed opportunities to embrace tools and technologies that nurture lifelong learning and spark intellectual curiosity.' She added: 'Sharjah today stands out for its thriving educational ecosystem, backed by advanced digital infrastructure and strong collaboration between government and private sectors. This solid foundation positions the emirate as a leader in reimagining the future of education. The Access Sharjah Challenge is an open invitation to the world's most innovative education startups to help shape an inclusive, agile, and future-ready learning model, built from within a community that champions creativity and innovation.' Ali Al Hosani, Director General of the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), emphasized the importance of the Authority's participation in the Sharjah Gateway Challenge. Through its presence, the Authority seeks to contribute to building an informed and empowered society grounded in knowledge and science. He noted that innovation is no longer an option; it has become the cornerstone of supporting sustainable development, shaping the future, and strengthening the country's competitive position on the global stage. He stressed that adopting innovative thinking mechanisms and providing a nurturing environment for talent are fundamental pillars in building a prosperous future for students. He said, "Through the educational brainstorming workshop, the Authority contributed to shaping the "Future-Ready Skills Challenge" as a key theme, driven by our belief in its role in leading a qualitative transformation in the education system." He expressed his pride in cooperating with Sheraa and the Sharjah Education Academy to launch this challenge, which represents an effective model for the integration of roles between educational institutions in the emirate. Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, the Chancellor of Sharjah Education Academy, expressed: "We are proud to partner with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) through the 'Access Sharjah' Challenge by launching our unique challenge, 'Arabic Language in Early Childhood'. This collaboration demonstrates our collective dedication to fostering educational innovation and entrepreneurial solutions that restore the Arabic language as a vital component of children's lives, serving as a means of identity, culture, and belonging, rather than just a communication tool." She added: "At Sharjah Education Academy, we strive to reimagine the presence of the Arabic language in our children's lives by integrating it in fun and engaging ways into everyday learning activities. We are committed to empowering teachers, involving families, and designing stimulating learning environments that make Arabic a vibrant, meaningful experience rooted in belonging from the earliest years of a child's life. We hope this challenge inspires innovative ideas that strengthen Arabic language learning and deepen generational connections to it." Eligibility and program criteria ASC 2025 is open to global startups with a previous track record in working with corporate or government collaborations. Applicants must offer impact-driven, adaptable, and market-ready educational solutions aligned to the program's challenge statements. Startups should also demonstrate strong leadership, market traction with existing users, and a willingness to establish a local presence in Sharjah to scale their solutions regionally. From over 2,000 applications, 10 startups will be shortlisted through a rigorous two-stage selection process. The first, Criteria-Based Filtering, will assess alignment with challenge themes, market readiness, and scalability. The second, Interview-Based shortlisting, will evaluate the startup's fit for Sharjah's context, pilot readiness, and long-term potential. AED 500,000 prize and pathway to scale Following the selection of the top 10 startups, a dedicated 'Champions Training' program on August 20 will prepare implementation leads from partner organizations to effectively guide the Proof of Concept (PoC) phase. These champions will be trained in best practices for startup mentorship, PoC management, and adaptive troubleshooting, ensuring a smooth and impactful collaboration throughout the program. Participants will then undergo a tailored 'Startup Readiness Sprint' on August 27–28, designed to ensure alignment with the challenge. The program will focus on technical fit, pitch refinement, and collaboration readiness, equipping startups with a deep understanding of the challenge statements, partner expectations, and local market dynamics. The Startup Readiness Sprint concludes with a pitch to a judging panel comprising of the implementation partners, industry experts and key stakeholders; two winning startups will receive an equity-free grant of AED 250,000 each to pilot their solutions across schools and early childhood development centers in Sharjah. The pilot phase, starting on 22nd September 2025, will provide real-world testing environments, continuous support, and potential for long-term partnerships and scale. The program culminates in a showcase of pilot results at Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education on 14 – 15 February 2016, where winners will be announced.
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sheraa and HORIVISTA forge strategic partnership
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration aimed at supporting the growth of startups between the United Arab Emirates and China, leveraging HORIVISTA's deep expertise in bridging both markets to create long-term impact. The MoU was signed by Her Excellency Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa and Sam Sun, Managing Director of HORIVISTA and Sheraa alum. Under this agreement, Sheraa shall extend support to eligible Chinese startups referred by HORIVISTA by facilitating their expansion in the UAE through setting up in Sharjah, as well as participation in Sheraa's programs, including the Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) and the Access Sharjah Challenge, in accordance with Sheraa's prevailing eligibility and selection criteria. Where such startups seek to establish a presence in the United Arab Emirates, Sheraa shall provide access to subsidised business licensing, coworking facilities, and tailored advisory services to support their market entry and operational setup. In turn, HORIVISTA will support Sheraa-backed startups to scale their ventures to the Chinese market. This agreement reflects the shared commitment of both parties to fostering cross-border collaboration and supporting startups in accessing new markets. Startups seeking to enter the Chinese market will receive support that includes market insights, introductions to local business networks, and guidance on navigating China's regulatory landscape, enabling a smooth market entry. Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: "At Sheraa, we believe that enabling startups to scale beyond borders is key to building resilient, future-ready economies. Our partnership with HORIVISTA is a powerful step in this direction, opening new doors for entrepreneurs from both the UAE and China to collaborate, innovate, and tap into dynamic markets. By combining our ecosystems, we can accelerate growth opportunities and create lasting impact.' Sam Sun, Managing Director of HORIVISTA and Sheraa alum said: "This MoU marks a significant milestone in bridging two vibrant startup ecosystems. Through our collaboration with Sheraa, we look forward to supporting Chinese startups in navigating the UAE's thriving business landscape, while also offering a gateway for Sheraa-backed entrepreneurs into China. Together, we aim to foster a two-way flow of innovation, talent, and investment that drives meaningful cross-border growth.' Sheraa's Programmes Build the Foundations for Startups Success During the "Make it in the Emirates 2025" forum, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is showcasing its range of programs that support founders at every stage of their journey. These programs include Startup Blueprint, a self-paced online course introducing aspiring founders to fundamental entrepreneurial skills. Startup Dojo helps turn early ideas into viable business models while building strong team dynamics. Its follow-on program, Startup Dojo+, supports founders in validating their solutions, developing MVPs, and preparing for market entry. Among Sheraa's key offerings is the Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), its flagship incubator program, which enables early-stage startups to grow, acquire customers, and become investor-ready. The Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) rounds out the journey by helping growth-stage startups co-create pilot projects with local partners and enter new markets. Driven by its programmes and strategic partnerships, Sheraa continues to empower founders at every stage of their journey, turning ambitious ideas into scalable ventures that grow from the UAE and expand to global markets.
Sharjah 24
08-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
NoorNation, Faunatech win Sheraa's 2024 Challenge, share AED 500K
Organised annually by Sheraa, ASC is a corporate innovation programme that witnesses growth-stage startups tackle themed challenges. The 2024 edition's themes were agritech and livestock health. With collaboration being integral to the initiative's year-on-year success, key partners for the 6th edition of ASC included the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) as the challenge partner; endorsement from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), and financial contribution from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate, and Ghanim Al Suwaidi Holdings to support the implementation of the solutions. Celebrating its 6th edition, the annual challenge witnessed an overwhelming response, with 2,207 applications from 24 countries, including the USA, Canada, Egypt, France, Argentina, New Zealand, India, UK, Italy, Turkey Oman, Germany, Netherlands, Qatar, Brazil, and Palestine. From this impressive pool, 11 startups were shortlisted with two standout winners securing the top prize. Commenting on the announcement of the winners, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, stated: 'The Access Sharjah Challenge serves to address current challenges but also reimagines possibilities in the future. By empowering innovators to tackle water scarcity and livestock health for this past edition, we're enhancing an innovation ecosystem that aligns with Sharjah's vision for a sustainable, food-secure future.' 'Our partnership in the Access Sharjah Challenge reflects our commitment to positioning innovation as a central pillar in advancing the agriculture and livestock sectors, by supporting practical solutions grounded in a deep understanding of real-world challenges,' H.E. Salem Abdullah Al Kaabi, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock said. 'The winning solutions have proven the potential of modern technologies to create a step-change in resource management, enhance livestock productivity, and strengthen sustainable food security. Working alongside our strategic partners to activate these solutions will help shape a smart and resilient agricultural model that aligns with the UAE's aspirations for a more innovative and sustainable economy,' added. Al Kaabi further explained that the department continues to implement its strategy to support small and medium-sized farms with modern technologies, guided by long-term planning frameworks aimed at boosting sector sustainability and productivity, contributing to Sharjah's vision of building a competitive and future-ready economy. Setting the focus of the challenge Within the agritech track, Sheraa welcomed startups to address challenges related to sustainable irrigation amid water scarcity with the statement: 'How might we source water affordably and scalably without burdening farmers?'. For the livestock health track, startups were invited to focus on innovations in monitoring, predictive care, and medicine delivery, with the statement: 'How might we maintain the health of livestock?'. Cost-effective water solutions NoorNation emerged as the winner in the AgriTech track with their revolutionary solution - LifeBox, a solar-powered, self-contained water desalination and pumping system designed to provide clean water for irrigation, drinking, and livestock support, ensuring sustainable and cost-effective water solutions for farmers and rural communities. LifeBox is equipped with advanced remote monitoring and control technology, enabling real-time water management. With plans to deploy the solution across the MENA region, NoorNation aims to tackle water scarcity and high energy costs while reducing CO2 emissions by eliminating reliance on diesel-powered irrigation systems. Their innovation will allow farmers to diversify their crops and improve agricultural productivity in arid regions. On the news of their success, Ragy Ramadan, Founder & CEO NoorNation said, 'We're incredibly grateful and proud to have won the Access Sharjah Challenge 2024. The journey wasn't always easy, but the growth was exponential. Sharjah welcomed us with energy and opportunity, and working with Sheraa and DAL pushed us to evolve as a team and a company. We're now more excited than ever to see the real-world impact LifeBox can create bringing fresh water, food security, and resilience to farms, communities, and industries in Sharjah and beyond. This milestone is not the end but a solid launchpad for NoorNation's regional growth, from product development and local partnerships to international sales and fundraising.' Improving animal health Faunatech, the Livestock Health track winner, introduced a smartphone-based handheld diagnostics platform that ensures early detection of critical livestock diseases, particularly mastitis, which affects nearly 30% of milking cows and buffaloes worldwide. Their Fauna SCC Test, connected to a smartphone, quantifies Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in raw cow milk, allowing on-farm diagnosis, improved milk quality, and reduced antibiotic residues. By improving animal health, increasing dairy productivity, and enhancing milk traceability, Faunatech is set to make a great impact in the UAE's agricultural sector and beyond. The company's long-term vision includes expanding into new markets across Southeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Commenting on their achievement, Rajat Pandya, Co-founder & CEO of Faunatech said, 'Winning the Access Sharjah Challenge has been an incredible milestone for FaunaTech. This programme provides us with a fantastic platform to launch our innovative animal health diagnostics across the UAE and the expansive Middle East dairy market. We're excited to bring our early mastitis detection technology to this vital region. Our vision is to establish our central hub for the Middle East here in Sharjah, and using our success as a springboard, we will hopefully expand into markets across the region. Solving industry-specific challenges The Access Sharjah Challenge is an annual competition that invites international growth-stage startups to solve industry-specific challenges determined by a chosen theme in collaboration with the challenge partner. In past iterations, ASC focused on sectors such as publishing and digital content; healthtech and foodtech; creative economy; F&B and retail; and sustainability. As a launchpad within the emirate's market, the challenge empowers startups to test and scale their solutions in Sharjah. Since its inception in 2019, ASC has provided over AED 3 million in total funding to support visionary entrepreneurs.
