Step into a new era of learning innovation! Win a AED 250K Pilot.
The Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) 2025 is calling on bold EdTech startups from around the world to co-build the future of education in Sharjah.
This is your chance to secure a pilot contract worth AED 250,000, access decision-makers, and scale your solution in one of the region’s most dynamic education ecosystems.
APPLICATION CLOSES ON August 17th
change language
What is the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC)
The Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) invites global startups to collaborate in shaping solutions for high-impact, real-world challenges within Sharjah’s priority sectors. As Sheraa’s flagship market access program, ASC connects participating startups with key stakeholders, including regulators, industry leaders, and decision-makers, providing a platform to pilot innovative solutions and drive meaningful impact across the UAE.
Why Apply to Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) 2025?
AED 250,000 (~USD 68,000) Proof-of-Concept (POC) contract with Sharjah education regulators (SPEA and SEA)
Direct access to the Sharjah market, facilitated by Sheraa – your gateway to the UAE and the wider MENA region
Pathway to UAE expansion with licensing, visa, and operational setup support
Comprehensive startup support, including mentorship, legal setup, and product localization
$1M+ in service value – co-working spaces, tech perks, software discounts, and essential growth tools via Sheraa’s startup support network
Showcase your startup to governments, corporates, investors, and ecosystem leaders at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2026
Showcase your solution at the 5th edition of the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education, taking place from 14 to 15 February 2026.
OUR PARTNERS
Program benefits
Unlock an AED 250,000 POC equity-free grant
Gain direct access to markets and potential clients, with support from Sheraa to license and expand your startup in Sharjah and the UAE
Benefit from industry expert guidance, resources, and connections to scale effectively
2024 Focus Areas
Livestock Health Challenge
How can we enhance and maintain the health of livestock?
Focus Areas:
Active Monitoring: Implementing continuous health monitoring systems.
Predictive and Preventative Technologies: Innovating ahead of potential health issues.
Medicine Administration and Delivery: Streamlining treatment processes efficiently.
AGRITECH Challenge
How can we sustainably source irrigation water affordably and at scale?
Focus Areas:
Addressing Water Scarcity: Finding robust solutions for limited water resources.
Water Desalination Innovations: Reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
Sustainability Practices: Ensuring long-term viability and minimal environmental impact.
Program Timeline
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Startups ready for scaling, ideally at Series A or B funding stages with an adequate team size.
Committed to establishing a significant presence in Sharjah and expanding across the UAE.
Proven track record of successful corporate/ government collaborations.
Offering customizable, market-ready solutions adaptable to diverse requirements.
Focused on enhancing the quality, accessibility, and impact of education.
Driven to make a lasting impact and dedicated to a sustainable future.
WHy sharjah
Welcome to the heartbeat of innovation – our city is the perfect canvas for your success story. Be part of our dynamic community filled with go-getters, entrepreneurs, and savvy investors. Here, your ventures will not just survive but thrive, thanks to an environment that values progress and prosperity.
The emirate comprises Sharjah City, the Central Region including Mleiha, Al Badayer, Al Dhaid, and the East Coast including Khorfakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn.
Sharjah offeres businesses a low-cost working environment, and access to unparalleled talent and support at the highest level.
-
Sharjah is home to more than 60,000 SMEs and start-ups across its six free zones and 33 industrial zones. It is a hub for innovation, with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) providing support including incubators and accelerator programmes as well as the annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, an event that brings together the world’s most promising innovators.
-
As a popular destination for expats, Sharjah boasts a young, diverse, talented, and multicultural population
-
It is easy and quick to set up a business, with an abundance of industry-specific free zones and support from Sharjah Investors Services Centre (SAEED).
-
Sharjah is strategically located between Dubai and the burgeoning northern emirates, and is the only emirate which borders all six of the other UAE emirates. Sharjah also offers easy access by air, sea, and land to the GCC and beyond.
-
Sharjah Airport connects the city to GCC, Europe, Africa, and Asia. This international airport is home to the region’s leading low-cost airline - Air Arabia.
-
Sharjah is a future-ready city thanks to its world-class Innovation Cluster. This area houses University City and Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, which together combine industry, government, universities, and research labs.
© Visit Sharjah, Your Sharjah, and Invest in Sharjah
hear from past winners
“Super excited to see Sharjah citizens recycling through our technology and helping Sharjah increase their packaging recovery rates. We are very thankful to Sheraa for this great opportunity.”
Benjamin Varese
Chief Sales Officer, Candam Technologies
Sheraa was always there to support me in terms of connecting with the right people, having this vibrant community, networking and meeting interesting people, and the seed funding. All of that established the beginning of the Fifth Wall.
Dr. Sohail Dahdal
Founder, Fifth Wall Immersive Media Lab
Make it stand out.
-
![]()
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Laurie Payton
-
![]()
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Jamie Kokot
-
![]()
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Lindsey Beumer
-
![]()
“It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business.”
Keith Finley
FAQs
-
The ASC is organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), in collaboration with key industry partners in Sharjah.
-
This year, the ASC focuses on challenges within the Agritech and Livestock Health sectors, aiming to improve sustainability, efficiency, and technology application in these fields.
-
Applications open on July 29 and close on September 5. We encourage early submissions to ensure your application is considered.
-
If you are shortlisted, you will participate in a four-week-long Startup Readiness Sprint designed to prepare your team for successful collaboration and implementation. This includes partner workshops tailored to meet the needs of the challenge and partner expectations.
Following a successful pitch at the end of the Sprint, if selected, you will enter a six-month Proof of Concept (PoC) implementation phase. This phase includes preparation, pilot testing, and final implementation, providing ample opportunity to refine your solution in a real-world environment and demonstrate its impact and scalability. During this period, you will work closely with our partner in Sharjah to ensure your solution meets the specific needs of the local market and industry standards
-
This is a 4-week online program that is designed to help startups to collaborate efficiently with our corporate partners and it helps assess compatibility at the business and technical levels.
-
No, there is no fee to participate in the ASC. Selected startups will be granted access to resources and support throughout the program.
-
Participants can win a POC deal worth AED 250,000, access to market opportunities, and licensing support, to scale their solutions in Sharjah.
-
No, international and local startups can apply without a Sharjah business license.
Winners will need to obtain a Sharjah license, which Sheraa will assist with at a discounted rate.
-
Winners should be prepared to enter a formal agreement outlining the terms of POC implementation, and company licensing in Sharjah.
Winning startups will be required to obtain a business license in Sharjah for at least two years, with access to additional opportunities post-program.
-
Sheraa provides ongoing support including networking opportunities, further business development, and potential scaling pathways within the UAE and GCC markets.
-
Success is evaluated based on the impact of the solutions implemented, commercial viability, scalability, and the ability to meet the predefined challenge goals.
-
Please contact the ASC support team via email (sheraa.programs@sheraa.ae). We are here to assist you throughout the application process.
-
Yes, modifications are permitted by submitting a new application (the last submitted application will be reviewed).
Please ensure any changes are submitted by September 1.
-
We commit to responding to every application.
You will hear from us by the deadline, but we may contact you sooner as we review applications on a rolling basis.
-
Absolutely! We warmly welcome past participants who did not get selected to apply for ASC 2024.
-
You need to select one focus area unless your team can address both challenges effectively.
programs
Access Sharjah
© 2024 Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center. All Rights Reserved.
© 2024 Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center. All Rights Reserved.