The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has unveiled the 12 shortlisted startups for the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) 2025. The finalists were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 4,600 applications from more than 90 countries.
Program Overview and Mission
Now in its seventh edition, the Access Sharjah Challenge is a flagship global initiative by Sheraa designed to attract and empower startups from around the world. Its mission is to provide a unique platform for entrepreneurs to pilot and scale innovative solutions that address pressing sectoral challenges, with Sharjah serving as a launchpad to the wider region. This year’s edition features two dedicated tracks: Future-Ready Skills and Arabic in Early Childhood.
What Participants Will Receive
The twelve selected startups will take part in a Startup Readiness Sprint, a two-day intensive program to prepare them for a successful Proof of Concept (PoC) collaboration. The program will culminate in a Pitch Day on September 9, where two winning startups, one from each track, will be selected to receive:
- A pilot contract of AED 250,000 to support implementation and scale their impact.
- Access to collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders in Sharjah’s education ecosystem.
Meet the Shortlisted Startups
The 12 ventures, spanning both international and regional innovators, represent a powerhouse of innovation.
Future-Ready Skills Track:
- Edlytica
- Evolve Careers
- Certify Me
- Peekapak
- ProjoTech
- Skills Builder
Arabic in Early Childhood Track:
- Lamsa
- Little Thinking Minds
- Hodhud
- eduTechnoz
- arabee
- Jana Reading
About the Organizer
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is a key driver of entrepreneurship in the UAE. The Access Sharjah Challenge is one of its flagship programs, designed to attract and empower startups that are reshaping the future and creating measurable, lasting impact.
Source: Zawya
