Sheraa Invites Global Startups To Apply For Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 Focused On Education

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center, known as Sheraa, has begun accepting applications for the seventh Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC), which this year targets the education sector. This initiative seeks to empower global startups offering innovative learning solutions, aligning with the UAE’s National Strategy for Higher Education 2030. The challenge offers a total prize pool of AED500,000.

Startups focusing on education with validated prototypes and proven collaborations with corporations or governments can apply until 17th August. Two winners will each receive AED250,000 in equity-free grants to pilot their solutions across four institutions in Sharjah: Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School, and Al Badee Nursery.

This year's challenge is organised by Sheraa in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and Sharjah Education Academy (SEA). It addresses two priority areas: the Future-Ready Skills Challenge and the Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge. The former focuses on equipping students with essential digital and foundational skills, while the latter aims to instil a deep connection with the Arabic language from an early age.

Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, stated that ASC 2025 reflects Sharjah’s strategic commitment to education. She said: "ASC 2025 offers a dynamic platform where forward-thinking ideas converge with strategic ambition. Through this initiative, we aim to enrich a vibrant learning ecosystem that nurtures lifelong learning and sparks intellectual curiosity."

Ali Al Hosani, Director-General of SPEA, emphasised the authority’s role in shaping the Future-Ready Skills Challenge. He noted: "Innovation is now the cornerstone of shaping the future and supporting sustainable development. Our collaboration with Sheraa and SEA aims to empower students with the tools to lead this transformation."

Professor Pauline Taylor-Guy, Chancellor of SEA, introduced SEA's contribution through the Arabic Language in Early Childhood challenge. She remarked: "We aim to empower teachers, involve families, and create vibrant learning environments where Arabic is lived, not just learned."

Selection Process and Key Dates

The programme targets startups at Pre-Series A to Series C+ stages with strong leadership and scalable solutions. Applicants must be open to establishing a local presence in Sharjah for regional growth. From over 2,000 expected applications, 10 startups will be shortlisted through a two-stage evaluation process involving criteria-based filtering followed by interview-based assessment.

A Champions Training session on 20th August will prepare implementation leads from partner organisations. This will be followed by a Startup Readiness Sprint on 27–28 August focusing on solution fit and pitch development. Finalists will pitch their ideas on 22nd September 2025.

The programme will conclude at the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education on 14–15 February 2026. Here, winners will showcase their pilots during this event dedicated to educational advancements.

With inputs from WAM