Call for
Access Sharjah Challenge 2025
Application Deadline:
17 August 2025
About Organisation
The Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) is Sheraa’s flagship market access program, designed to connect innovative global startups with opportunities to co-create impactful solutions within Sharjah’s priority sectors. Sheraa (Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center) plays a pivotal role in shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the UAE by facilitating collaborations between startups, regulators, industry leaders, and decision-makers. ASC serves as a launchpad for scaling ventures, offering participants the platform to pilot their solutions, access high-value networks, and expand into the UAE and broader MENA region. Through ASC, Sheraa addresses high-impact, real-world challenges and drives meaningful transformation in critical areas such as education, innovation, and community development. The initiative offers comprehensive support, including mentorship, market access, legal setup, and localization assistance, alongside exposure at high-profile events like the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival and the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education. Sheraa’s extensive startup support network provides over $1M worth of services, such as co-working spaces, tech perks, software discounts, and growth tools. The Access Sharjah Challenge fosters sustainable, scalable innovation while aligning with Sharjah’s vision for a future-ready society, making it an ideal opportunity for startups committed to creating lasting educational impact and building a significant presence in the region.
About the Grant
The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 focuses on bold and innovative education startups from around the globe, inviting them to co-build the future of education in Sharjah. As part of Sheraa’s mission to support high-impact ventures, this program specifically addresses two core areas: the Future-Ready Skills Challenge and the Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge. The first aims to align curriculums with real-world skills, empower educators, assess 21st-century competencies, and connect students to practical opportunities. The second focuses on fostering Arabic language development in early learners, integrating cultural content, gamifying learning experiences, engaging parents, and equipping teachers with modern tools and training. Successful applicants will receive an AED 250,000 (~USD 68,000) Proof-of-Concept contract with Sharjah education regulators, direct market access, and a suite of startup benefits worth over $1M. They will also gain opportunities to showcase solutions at key regional events. Beyond funding, ASC provides strategic mentorship, legal support, product localization, and exposure to influential stakeholders. By participating, startups can tap into Sharjah’s thriving education ecosystem and contribute to transformative solutions with a lasting social and cultural impact across the UAE and beyond.
Who can Apply?
The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 is open to global education-focused startups that are ready to scale and make a significant impact in Sharjah’s education sector. Applicants should ideally be at the Series A or B funding stage, demonstrating maturity and readiness for market expansion. A well-structured and adequately sized team is essential, ensuring the capacity to execute large-scale projects and collaborations. Startups must have a proven track record of successful partnerships with corporate or government entities, showcasing the ability to deliver impactful, high-quality solutions. The program seeks ventures offering customizable, market-ready products or services that can be adapted to different educational environments and needs. Applicants should be committed to establishing a meaningful presence in Sharjah and expanding operations within the UAE, with the long-term vision of contributing to a sustainable and future-ready education ecosystem. Solutions should focus on enhancing quality, accessibility, and impact, whether by developing future-ready skills among students or strengthening Arabic language acquisition in early childhood. Above all, participating startups should be driven by innovation, sustainability, and the desire to create transformative educational change that aligns with Sharjah’s priorities and cultural context.
How to Apply?
Startups must prepare a comprehensive application showcasing their solution, market readiness, scalability, and alignment with the program’s focus areas. Applications should clearly highlight previous successes, adaptability to Sharjah’s market, and commitment to long-term impact. Submit the required details through the designated application portal, ensuring all eligibility criteria are met before the deadline. Early submission is encouraged to maximize review and consideration time.
Application Deadline
The Access Sharjah Challenge 2025 will accept applications until 17 August 2025. Interested education startups must submit their proposals before this date to be considered for the program’s benefits and funding.
Last Date to Apply
Applications close on 17 August 2025. Submissions after this date will not be considered, so eligible startups are advised to apply promptly to secure their participation in the Access Sharjah Challenge 2025.
Grant Amount
Selected startups will receive an AED 250,000 (~USD 68,000) Proof-of-Concept contract, along with additional benefits worth over $1M, including mentorship, market access, co-working spaces, and essential growth tools.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
