Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has announced the opening of applications for the latest edition of its flagship Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) programme, targeting early-stage UAE-based startups. The initiative is designed to support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses by providing access to industry expert advisory, funding opportunities, essential resources, specialized mentorship, and software tools valued at over AED 3 million.
According to Emirates News Agency, applications for the program are open until September 7, 2025. A total of 20 startups will be selected to participate in an intensive four-month journey. Participants will receive practical experience and tailored guidance, benefiting from Sheraa's vast network of investors and strategic partners. The S3 program creates a holistic environment to help startups develop growth strategies, create customized playbooks, and accelerate their scaling process.
The program is open to UAE-based startups operating in Sheraa's four priority sectors: EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, and Creative Industries. Interested startups can apply via the Sheraa website. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasized the program's role in equipping entrepreneurs with necessary tools and confidence, aiming to enhance their contribution to local, regional, and global economies, and reinforcing Sharjah's and the UAE's position as leading hubs for entrepreneurship and innovation.
The S3 programme is structured around three main pillars: Scaling, Supporting, and Securing. Under the Scaling pillar, startups gain access to Sheraa's 'Centers of Excellence' network and partner introductions, essential for driving innovation-led economic growth. The Supporting pillar focuses on developing founders' skills in investor relations and securing strategic investments, while the Securing pillar provides a roadmap for building robust business networks, offering workspace solutions and service credits to aid startup success.
S3 also facilitates connections with experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange. This exposure helps startups align their products with market demands, accelerating sustainable growth. With a specific focus on overcoming capital access challenges, S3 prioritizes investor connections and strategic guidance to help startups secure funding and explore new markets. Previous cohorts have successfully scaled operations and expanded into new markets, highlighting the program's impact.
In 2024, Sharjah Startup Studio received over 2,300 applications, indicating its growing reputation as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in Sharjah and the UAE, attracting high-quality ventures that contribute to the knowledge economy.