The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025, a flagship event that supports startups and emerging businesses in the region, has unveiled the ‘SEF x 1Tank Startup Pitch Competition’.
The competition provides a unique opportunity to compete for grants totaling $54,452.07 (AED200,000), alongside potential investor funding opportunities reaching up to $136,128.51 (AED500,000), and opportunity to win free flights with Air Arabia.
It will revolve around four key tracks: EdTech, Sustainability, Creative Industries, and Tech & Industry 4.0, setting a platform for ambitious startups from around the globe to showcase their innovative solutions and address challenges within these sectors. Each track offers $13,613 (AED50,000) grant, a key stepping stone for ambitious startups.
After receiving applications, 16 startups will be shortlisted (4 startups per track) by an esteemed panel of judges and investors. At SEF 2025, the selected entrepreneurs will get 3 minutes to pitch their business ideas live, followed by a Q&A session, to showcase their business vision to a prestigious audience of influencers and investors.
Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi CEO – Sheraa,
“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.”
In partnership with ‘1Tank’, an initiative under the community group ‘1trepreneur’, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) organizes this year’s edition. This sets stage for selected startups to present their innovative ideas to a panel of investors for immediate funding.
Jimmy James, the co-founder of 1trepreneur, added that, “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.”
The festival, which is scheduled to run from 1st to 2nd February 2025, will feature more than 300 globally renowned speakers across 10 curated zones and 5 captivating stages.
