The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025 is set to elevate Sharjah’s stature as a global contender in innovation and enterprise by inviting startups to present their solutions at the SEF x 1Tank Startup Pitch Competition, now open for applications. This competition stands as a prominent feature of the region’s largest festival dedicated to entrepreneurship, providing an exceptional opportunity to compete for grants totalling AED 200,000, alongside potential investor funding opportunities reaching up to AED 500,000, as well as the opportunity to win a number of free flights with Air Arabia.

The competition will concentrate on four key tracks, namely, EdTech, Sustainability, Creative Industries, and Tech & Industry 4.0, and calls on ambitious startups from around the globe to present their forward-thinking solutions and address challenges within these sectors. Interested applicants must submit their pitch decks, company profiles, and a brief video introduction by January 26, 2025, via https://sharjahef.com/pitch-track/.

Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), this year’s edition is in partnership with ‘1Tank’, an initiative under the community group ‘1trepreneur’, designed as a high-stakes startup pitch competition where selected startups can present their innovative ideas to a panel of investors for immediate funding. Sheraa’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging startups reinforces the festival’s position as a premier platform for promoting innovation and driving meaningful progress in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said, “This competition cultivates a new generation of exceptional entrepreneurs who dare to challenge the status quo and stands as a testament to our vision at Sheraa. We are dedicated to empowering innovative thinkers with the resources needed to transform industries, make a meaningful difference, and reshape the future of entrepreneurship, showcasing Sharjah as a leading hub for innovation and enterprise.”

Jimmy James, the co-founder of 1trepreneur, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Partnering with Sheraa for the pitch competition at SEF 2025 strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem as we unite our vision with a leading force in entrepreneurship. This collaboration amplifies our commitment to supporting innovation while empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into impactful realities.”

Recognising exceptional startups and innovative solutions

This year’s competition will focus on four major tracks, addressing global challenges and encouraging disruptive innovation that can redefine industries.

The EdTech Track, Crescent Enterprises, invites startups wanting to invigorate education through pioneering solutions, while advanced approaches in the Tech & Industry 4.0 Track, powered by du, will champion state-of-the-art concepts that revolutionise industries and drive transformation. Sponsored by Emaar, Environmental challenges will be tackled through the Sustainability Track, calling on visionary ideas and eco-progressive services, and the Creative Industries Track, backed by Emarat, will see culture, art, and design flourish through innovation.

Each track offers a substantial AED 50,000 grant, an essential stepping stone for ambitious startups to realise their dreams. True to Sheraa’s ethos of supporting the entire entrepreneurial journey, the competition can also provide access to experts and experienced founders within the Sheraa ecosystem, equipping startups with the tools to refine their concepts. By offering a stage to present directly to influential judges, investors, and key players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Startup Pitch Competition provides the recognition exceptional founders deserve, as well as opportunities that can shape the trajectory of a startup’s journey.

A celebration of innovation and inspiration

Based on the applications received, 16 startups will be shortlisted (4 startups per track), chosen by an esteemed panel of judges and investors recognised for their expertise and commitment to innovation. These selected entrepreneurs will be given 3 minutes to pitch their business ideas live at SEF 2025 followed by a Q&A session, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their vision to an audience of influential leaders and investors. A winner from each track will be selected and celebrated during an awards ceremony at the SEF networking dinner sponsored by du.

This year, the festival, which will take place from 1 to 2 February 2025, has doubled its program. It will feature over 300 globally renowned speakers across 10 curated zones and 5 captivating stages, making it the ultimate platform for entrepreneurial brilliance. For more information, visit https://sharjahef.com/.