UAE Launches Pioneering Centre Of Excellence For Advanced Manufacturing And CPG

In a significant move to bolster the UAE's manufacturing sector, the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), in collaboration with Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), has unveiled the Sheraa Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Advanced Manufacturing and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG). This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in the UAE, is set to incubate and propel the growth of advanced manufacturing startups, thereby cultivating an entrepreneurial culture within the nation.

The partnership was formalised through a group signing ceremony at the EDB Connect-Sharjah Edition, featuring key representatives: Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi, CEO of EDB; Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa; and Mohamed Al Awadhi, Director-General of SCCI. This collaboration aims to support startups in advanced manufacturing by providing them with necessary resources, industry connections, and networking opportunities to ensure their success and growth.

The CoE for Advanced Manufacturing and CPG will offer comprehensive services to startups at various stages of their development. For early-stage companies, EDB will provide SME incubation for up to three years, including startup equity financing support and microfinance options. More established SMEs will benefit from preferential financing terms for equipment purchases and working capital needs, along with project financing for business expansion.

SCCI will assist in market entry and export opportunities, offering industry expertise and support in market research. Sheraa will play a crucial role in implementing valuable programs under the CoE, selecting startups and entrepreneurs for mentorship and guidance with industry experts.

Ahmed Mohamed Al Naqbi highlighted the CoE's role in accelerating the adoption of advanced manufacturing techniques among UAE-based enterprises, enhancing their in-country value. "By providing startups with access to critical resources such as mentoring, market access, capacity building, and research support, we are nurturing a robust ecosystem that aligns with the UAE’s aspirations to be a global leader in future technologies and industrial innovation," he stated.

Najla Ahmed Al Midfa expressed Sheraa's commitment to driving innovation within Sharjah’s and the UAE’s manufacturing sectors. "This partnership fuels a new era of entrepreneurial spirit, dovetailing with Sharjah’s strategic vision to be a crucible for pioneering businesses. It will serve as a catalyst in empowering startups to redefine industry innovation and bolster Sharjah’s position as a beacon of sustainable economic progress," she remarked.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi underscored SCCI's dedication to expanding strategic partnerships to enhance support for entrepreneurs and drive growth across key sectors. He emphasized that the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing and CPG represents a high-quality initiative that could significantly boost the UAE’s sustainable industrial growth.

The collaboration among EDB, Sheraa, and SCCI through the Centre of Excellence is poised to create a supportive environment for startups and SMEs. It encourages engagement in innovation-driven industrial sectors, offering a robust framework for promoting manufacturing events and activities. Access to EDB's data will aid in market analysis, business model validation, and technological refinement for startups. Specialised capacity-building programmes with industry experts will equip startups with essential skills to scale and navigate the competitive landscape of the manufacturing sector.

With inputs from WAM