12 Innovative Startups Selected For Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 To Enhance Education And Skills Development

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, known as Sheraa, has announced the 12 startups shortlisted for the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) 2025. These were chosen from over 4,600 applications across more than 90 countries. This year's challenge introduces two new tracks: Future-Ready Skills and Arabic in Early Childhood. Both tracks aim to enhance Arabic language learning and prepare students for future job markets.

In the Future-Ready Skills track, the selected startups include Edlytica, Evolve Careers, Certify Me, Peekapak, ProjoTech, and Skills Builder. Meanwhile, the Arabic in Early Childhood track features Lamsa, Little Thinking Minds, Hodhud, eduTechnoz, arabee, and Jana Reading. These ventures collectively embody innovation and align with ASC’s mission to support startups that are transforming education and making a lasting impact.

The 12 chosen ventures span both international and regional innovators. They offer innovative solutions such as personalised learning platforms and interactive digital content alongside advanced skills-building technologies. This diversity captures ASC's essence by connecting global talent with Sharjah’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem to develop scalable solutions that redefine knowledge delivery.

These startups will participate in a Startup Readiness Sprint. This is a two-day intensive program aimed at preparing them for successful Proof of Concept (PoC) collaborations. The sprint includes insights into Sharjah’s education ecosystem, pilot-focused pitching sessions, and practical AMA simulations to ensure readiness for upcoming pilots.

The program will conclude with a Pitch Day on September 9. On this day, participating startups will present their solutions to a panel of strategic partners and education experts. Two startups—one from each track—will be selected to proceed to the PoC implementation phase from late September 2025 through January 2026.

Each winning startup will receive a pilot contract worth AED250,000 to aid implementation and scale its impact. Additionally, they will gain access to collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders within Sharjah’s education ecosystem.

A Global Initiative with Local Roots

Now in its seventh edition, the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) has evolved into a leading global initiative spearheaded by Sheraa. It aims to attract and empower startups worldwide by providing a unique platform for entrepreneurs to pilot and scale innovative solutions addressing significant sectoral challenges. Sharjah serves as a launchpad for these initiatives into the broader region.

This year’s ASC highlights how Sheraa continues fostering innovation by bridging diverse talents with local opportunities in Sharjah's dynamic environment. The initiative not only supports educational advancements but also strengthens connections between global innovators and regional ecosystems.

With inputs from WAM