Sheraa Unveils Edtech Opportunities For Entrepreneurs At STEP 2024

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) recently marked its significant presence at the STEP Conference 2024, serving as the official Start Track partner. This two-day event, held in Dubai Internet City on the 21st and 22nd of February, is renowned as a premier tech festival for emerging markets. It featured six distinct tracks, with the Start Track drawing attention for hosting prominent tech influencers who shared insights on success stories, growth strategies, and investment opportunities.

Amidst the dynamic atmosphere of STEP 2024, Sheraa showcased its array of success stories, programmes, and initiatives that have made a notable impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE and beyond. The centre's focus was particularly on the Edtech industry, highlighting the unique opportunities it offers to founders in the UAE and the wider region.

Abeer Al Ameeri, Head of Partnerships at Sheraa, reflected on the centre's participation at the conference. She underscored the importance of supportive ecosystems for startups and noted Sheraa's role as a crucial hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. "This strategic participation underscores Sheraa’s commitment to driving the future of entrepreneurship in the UAE and beyond," Al Ameeri stated.

At Sheraa's dedicated booth, attendees were introduced to the centre's diverse initiatives and success stories. Three startups incubated through Sheraa's programmes were highlighted: Arabee, an award-winning online educational platform; iSchool, recognized in Forbes Under 30 Middle East list for providing coding and AI education; and Esaal, a leading platform for online health consultations. These startups exemplify innovation in various sectors, showcasing Sheraa's dedication to nurturing entrepreneurship.

The panel discussion titled "Edtech: Opportunities for Future Growth" was one of the highlights of Sheraa's participation. Moderated by Abeer Al Ameeri, it featured Ferakh Lakhani from Arabee Education and Muhammad Gawish from iSchool. The discussion delved into the evolving landscape of Edtech and its potential for future growth. Both panelists shared their experiences and insights on how Sheraa has supported their entrepreneurial journeys.

STEP Conference has grown over more than 11 years to become one of Dubai's largest tech festivals. With six main tracks, it attracts over 400 global startups, hundreds of global investors, and more than 8,000 attendees from around the world. Sheraa’s partnership with this event highlights its ongoing commitment to advancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

In summary, Sheraa’s involvement in STEP Conference 2024 not only showcased its pivotal role in supporting startups but also emphasized its dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE and beyond. Through strategic partnerships like these, Sheraa continues to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the regional entrepreneurial landscape.

With inputs from WAM