Sheraa is opening applications for its flagship incubator program “S3”.

The incubator program serves as a comprehensive growth starter.

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has announced the highly anticipated upcoming edition of Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), a proven end-to-end program that has been expertly designed to empower early-stage entrepreneurs and help them scale their ventures.

Officially open for applications on September 23, 2024, S3 offers an invaluable six-month experience that combines personalized guidance with essential resources tailored to the specific needs of startups. Through partnership support from some of the world’s largest companies, Sheraa has also secured over $3 million in benefits and discounts on the tools and services startups need to scale. This incubator program serves as a comprehensive growth launcher that recognizes the entrepreneurial journey as a carefully planned commitment.

Commenting on the announcement, Sheraa CEO Sara Al Nuaimi said: “At Sheraa, we believe that entrepreneurship is the foundation of innovation and economic growth. Through this carefully designed incubator program, we are adding the next generation of visionaries to our thriving ecosystem and we can’t wait to see the innovative ideas they will showcase.”

S3 is based on three basic pillars, namely Scaling, Secure and Support. The program provides participants with expert mentoring and a tailored action plan, providing them with the right support to achieve product-market fit. Upon successful application, startup founders will gain access to Sheraa’s Centers of Excellence (COE) partners, making it easier to connect with thought leaders and authorities, as well as potential customers, while gaining valuable industry insights that can truly transform their chances of success.

The program also places a strong emphasis on securing financing – one of the most important challenges facing start-ups – by facilitating introductions to members of the Sheraa investor network and offering expert guidance in preparing tender offers and investor relations. S3’s collaborative environment has proven to be highly beneficial in previous versions, giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals within Sheraa’s extensive entrepreneurial ecosystem, greatly enhancing their growth through shared experiences and resources.

Founders can connect directly with Sheraa’s experienced Experts-in-Residence (EIR) and industry specialists, providing ongoing guidance and ensuring startups continue to achieve their goals. Participants will also benefit from advisory desks, which will allow for personalized one-on-one sessions with over 30 subject matter experts in a variety of fields, including strategy, operations, fundraising and product management. This exclusive, tailored support is fundamental to navigating the complexities of building a successful startup.

Throughout the six-month program, participants have access to coworking spaces at three centers in Sharjah and can also benefit from a week of in-person experience, promoting collaboration and networking. S3 startups also have an invaluable opportunity to present their solutions at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), participate in founder retreats and gain valuable exposure at partner roadshows. Additionally, startups benefit from the company’s one-year free licensing in Sharjah and the ability to recruit talent from the emirate’s leading universities, helping them build strong, capable teams.

The S3 application process is simple and thorough, and each application will be carefully reviewed by the Sheraa team. Interested founders should submit their applications via the Sheraa website as the first step on their journey. To qualify, startups must have a scalable business model based on technology-enabled solutions, demonstrate early customer attraction and revenue generation, and commit to operating and growing in Sharjah and the UAE. In addition, candidates must be active in the priority sectors of educational technology (EdTech), sustainability, manufacturing or creative industries.

People who meet these criteria will be invited to a 20-minute interview to present their solution and be prepared to answer any questions about their startup. Selected startups will then participate in an in-depth session covering product, strategy, legal considerations and financial planning. Following these assessments, startups demonstrating exceptional potential will be accepted into the program and begin implementation, gaining access to S3’s extensive resources and support network.

Sharjah is fast becoming a global innovation hub, boasting over 60,000 SMEs across all free zones and industrial sectors. With a friendly business environment and access to unrivaled talent and resources, Sharjah is the perfect place for start-ups looking to grow. We encourage entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity and apply to join the Sharjah Startup Studio (S3).