The ninth edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF 2026), a flagship event for the region’s startup community, is set to introduce a pivotal initiative for early-stage founders. Taking place on January 31 and February 1, 2026, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), the festival will launch the Business Kickstarter Package, offering a festival-exclusive trade license starting from just AED 1,000.
Held under the theme “Where We Belong,” the two-day event aims to provide a comprehensive ecosystem experience, combining business formation opportunities with a vibrant program of food entrepreneurship, investor meetings, and live cultural performances.
Business Kickstarter Package
In a significant move to lower the barrier to entry for new entrepreneurs, SEF 2026 will offer its Business Kickstarter Package exclusively during the festival. The initiative is designed to help the first 100 eligible founders transition from an idea to a formally registered business on-site.
To qualify, applicants must be tech startups operating in one of six key sectors: Sustainability, Creative Industries, EdTech, Advanced Manufacturing, HealthTech, or Mobility. This targeted approach is a collaborative effort between Sheraa, SPARK, Emirates NBD, and du Business, all of whom will be present at the festival’s Startup Town to facilitate the process.
Investor Access And Equity Support
Beyond licensing, the festival will provide direct access to investment and advisory expertise. The Investor Lounge will host pre-booked, one-on-one sessions with Carta, a global equity management and ownership platform.
These “Founder Equity Health Checks” are designed to help startups review crucial early-stage equity considerations, including cap table structure and overall readiness for future growth and funding rounds. This offers founders a valuable opportunity to engage with ecosystem partners and gain practical insights for their ventures.
Celebrating Diverse Entrepreneurship
SEF 2026 will also spotlight entrepreneurship beyond traditional tech models through a curated F&B program showcasing founder-led culinary concepts. The program will feature festival-exclusive menus, new product launches, and collaborations from popular local brands like Salt, Mr. Brisket, Hoof, and Cocolily × Frio.
Complementing the business agenda is a live cultural program featuring comedy, music, and creative arts. The lineup includes prominent local talent such as comedian Bin Swelah, 13-year-old DJ Michelle, and Sharjah-based filmmaker Talal Mahmoud, fostering a dynamic and engaging environment for all attendees.
About Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF)
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is an annual event organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). It brings together founders, investors, mentors, and ecosystem players from across the MENA region and beyond. The festival is dedicated to inspiring and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through a program of talks, workshops, pitch competitions, and networking opportunities.
Source: Zawya
