Access Sharjah Challenge 2024 Concludes With Pitch Day For Innovative Startups

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) wrapped up its Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) 2024 with a Pitch Day at its headquarters. This event focused on AgriTech and Livestock Health, showcasing innovations from 11 startups chosen from a record 2,207 applications worldwide. Participants presented their Proof of Concept (POC) solutions to judges, with two startups set to receive AED250,000 each in contracts for implementation over six months.

Before the Pitch Day, the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL) provided an intensive corporate innovation training program. This ensured that startups could tailor their solutions to meet the organisation’s needs effectively. The AgriTech track tackled issues like water scarcity and sustainable farming, while the Livestock Health track concentrated on biosecurity and livestock sustainability.

Sheraa's CEO, Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, highlighted the initiative's mission: "Sheraa is dedicated to empowering innovative entrepreneurs who tackle today’s pressing challenges. Through our partnerships and newly established Centers of Excellence, we aim to transform pioneering ideas into impactful solutions that contribute to a sustainable future for all. Sharjah is poised to lead advancements across key sectors, with the Access Sharjah Challenge providing a platform for entrepreneurs to implement proactive solutions."

The sixth edition of ASC partnered with DAL as its challenge partner and received endorsement from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE). Sponsors such as the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate, and Al Ghanim Holding supported themes related to AgriTech and Livestock Health.

The judging panel featured Razan Al Hammadi, Director of Green Development; Jamal Al Suwaidi, Director of Digital Transformation; and Maryam Al Muaini, Head of the Livestock Section at DAL. Sheraa was represented by its CEO alongside other senior officials. The event also included entities like Emirates Development Bank, AlDhaid University, Sharjah Sustainable City, DU, University of Sharjah, and the US Consulate.

This collective support underscores Sharjah’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages sustainable innovations. The Pitch Day marked ASC 2024's final stage, setting the stage for selected startups to implement their solutions. Sheraa remains committed to building an ecosystem that drives innovation while boosting economic growth in the region.

With inputs from WAM