The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) welcomed the UAE Minister for Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Al-Mheiri,  to its headquarters, showcasing a group of sustainability-focused startups.

The headquarters also hosted the first quarterly meeting of the Emirates Municipal Environmental Council chaired by the Minister of Climate Change and the Environment.

Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Al-Mheiri, Cabinet Member and Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led the MOCCAE delegation, discussing the latest developments in the field of sustainability and climate change, and exploring ways to foster innovation in these areas.

Najla Al-Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, said: “Welcoming the Emirates Municipal Environmental Council’s first quarterly meeting at Sheraa reflects our dedication to driving innovation and sustainability in the region. Through our partnership with MOCCAE and the presentation of our sustainability startups’ solutions, we aim to contribute to the UAE’s efforts towards tackling climate change and promoting sustainable development. At Sheraa, we continuously encourage startups to embrace innovative business solutions and work towards creating a more diversified economy. Sharjah’s commitment to sustainability portrays how a city can balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, and create a prosperous and livable future for all its residents.

Earlier this year at the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF), Sheraa and MOCCAE signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) announcing their collaboration for Access Challenge Sharjah 2023 and also promoting Sharjah as a centre for sustainability, by working towards balancing the economy, environment and society and preserving natural resources.

Sustainability startups on showcase

Five incubated startups presented their sustainable solutions to the MOCCAE council meeting attendees, offering glimpses into the cutting-edge sustainability initiatives being developed and implemented by Sheraa.

Manhat, a deep technology startup, presented its patented “natural water distillation” technology, providing a sustainable source of water and floating farm solutions. FortyGuard, an outdoor temperature expert, showcased its proprietary insights, helping clients optimise energy and improve the environment. Palmade, a manufacturer of disposable cutlery made from natural materials, presented a sustainable solution to a common environmental problem. Kyma, offering an eco-friendly surface cleaner in tablet form, highlighted the importance of reusing and refilling spray bottles for a more environmentally conscious experience. Clever Harvest, which is enhancing food security through enterprise and predictive software for sustainable sourcing, tracing, and quality certification, also showcased its unique solutions.

The startups’ presentations highlighted the potential of Sheraa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s sustainability and climate action objectives.