1trepreneur has partnered with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) to host the SEF x 1TANK Pitch Competition, a high-impact event for bold founders. Taking place during the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), this competition invites market-ready startups to showcase game-changing solutions, pitch to top investors, and compete for equity-free grants.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Pitch Competition
- For: Market-Ready Startups in EdTech, Industry 4.0, Sustainability, and Creative Industries
- Key Benefits: AED 200,000 Grant Pool, Potential Investment Opportunities up to AED 500,000, and Mentorship
- Application Deadline: January 8, 2026
- Location: Sharjah, UAE (In-person pitch at SEF)
Competition Overview
The SEF Pitch Competition is designed to highlight startups that address real challenges with meaningful impact. By partnering with 1trepreneur, Sheraa provides a platform for founders to demonstrate their scalable, tech-enabled models to a global audience. The competition is divided into four specific tracks, with one winner per track securing a grant to fuel their growth.
Competition Tracks
Startups must align with one of the following four sectors:
- EdTech: Solutions transforming how people learn, teach, or access education.
- Tech & Industry 4.0: Innovations improving efficiency, sustainability, and output in industrial processes.
- Sustainability: Solutions addressing major environmental, social, or economic challenges.
- Creative Industries: Ventures enriching arts, culture, media, or design.
Key Benefits
- Grant Funding: A total prize pool of AED 200,000, with four winners receiving AED 50,000 each.
- Investment Potential: Participants can explore potential investor funding opportunities reaching up to AED 500,000.
- Strategic Exposure: Pitch directly to industry experts, renowned judges, and influential ecosystem players to secure valuable connections.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate, startups must meet the following requirements:
- Market-Ready: Startups must have early customer traction and be generating revenue.
- Scalability: Must demonstrate a viable model with tech-enabled solutions at the core.
- Team Strength: Founders must show diverse skill sets and the ability to execute.
- Relevance: Solutions must address real-world challenges within the focus tracks.
Key Dates and Schedule
- Applications Open: November 25, 2025
- Applications Close: January 8, 2026
- Shortlist Announced: January 20, 2026
- Pitch Day at SEF: January 31, 2026
- Winner Announcement: February 1, 2026
How to Apply
Founders ready to level up their exposure and secure funding must submit their applications before the deadline.
Deadline: January 8, 2026
About Sheraa
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is committed to building a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs in the UAE. Through year-round initiatives, programs, and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF), Sheraa offers resources, mentorship, and valuable connections to empower the next generation of innovators.
Learn More: Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival
