As the UAE continues to champion its creative economy as a key pillar for sustainable growth, a new initiative in Sharjah is set to accelerate the journey from creative concept to commercial success. The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) has announced the launch of the Base 39 Creative Accelerator, a dedicated program designed to support and scale product-led ventures across design-driven industries.
Bridging Design and Entrepreneurship
The accelerator is strategically housed at Base 39, SRTI Park’s newly unveiled creative hub. This space is engineered as a collaborative platform for designers, architects, artists, and creative entrepreneurs to converge. By integrating design, experimentation, fabrication, and business development into a single, cohesive ecosystem, Base 39 aims to empower creatives to seamlessly transition their ideas into market-ready products.
Fostering Talent with Tangible Support
The Base 39 Creative Accelerator is structured to provide robust support for its participants. The program will offer in-kind prototyping assistance, creative incentives, and significant visibility across SRTI Park’s expansive innovation network. To further reward excellence, the top three graduates of the accelerator will receive cash prizes to fuel their ventures. This launch builds on SRTI Park’s history of running sector-specific programs, such as the Sharjah Advanced Industries Accelerator, which focuses on advanced manufacturing and deep technology.
A Strategic Vision for Sharjah
Khalid Hassan Albanna, Director of Base 39, highlighted the program’s strategic importance for the emirate’s economic vision.
“The launch of the Base 39 Accelerator represents a new strategic milestone in SRTI Park’s vision to expand Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem by integrating creativity and design with entrepreneurship and manufacturing,” said Albanna. “We firmly believe that creative industries are a vital pillar of the knowledge economy. Through this accelerator, we aim to empower creatives to transform their ideas into scalable, investment-ready products.”
He added, “Base 39 is not merely a creative space; it is a comprehensive platform that brings together talent, technologies, expertise, and partnerships. This integrated model strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading regional destination for creativity and innovation.”
Inaugural Cohort to Focus on Design
The accelerator will kick off with its first cohort focusing specifically on Furniture and Collectible Design. An open call will select 20 promising designers or studios to join the program, which will culminate in a final showcase before an audience of industry experts, buyers, and potential investment partners.
About SRTI Park
The Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) is an innovation ecosystem that promotes research and development and supports enterprise activities. It aims to foster collaboration between industry, government, and academia to accelerate Sharjah’s development into a knowledge-based economy. SRTI Park provides a conducive environment and infrastructure for tech companies and startups to thrive.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
