The second edition of the Seal the Deal initiative, organized by the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), has successfully concluded, securing over AED 4 million in investment pledges for participating startups. The event, held during the Sharjah Investment Forum and World Investment Conference 2025, reinforces the emirate’s growing status as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurship and technological innovation.
A Platform for Innovation and Investment
Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SRTIP, “Seal the Deal” brought together a curated group of founders, prominent investors, and industry leaders. The initiative is a collaborative effort between SRTIP, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), the American University of Sharjah, and the University of Sharjah, showcasing a unified approach to nurturing the local ecosystem. The event serves as a critical platform where promising ideas are transformed into viable projects by connecting creative minds with strategic capital.
From Pitches to Pledges
This year’s edition saw nine startups deliver five-minute pitches to a distinguished panel of investors. The companies, which focus on advanced technology sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainability, successfully attracted significant interest, culminating in investment pledges exceeding AED 4 million. The investor panel featured influential figures from the regional business community, including Abdullah Abu Sheikh, Founder of “Abu Sheikh”; Mishal Kano, Chairman of The Kanoo Group; Mohammed Al Hashmi, CEO of Union Coop; Mohamed Khodeiri, CEO of Bank of Sharjah; and Sherif Beshara, CEO of Mohamed & Obaid Al Mulla Group and American Hospital Dubai.
Integrating Academia with Commercial Ventures
Building on its inaugural success, the initiative expanded its scope to include startups led by students and faculty members, alongside other early-stage Sharjah-based companies. This strategic focus aims to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial application. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTIP, noted, “The Seal the Deal initiative has evolved into a unique platform that brings together academia, investors, and the private sector to transform scientific research and innovation into sustainable commercial projects.” Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, added that the initiative reflects Sharjah’s vision “where ideas born in classrooms and research labs are transformed into scalable and investable projects.”
About Seal the Deal
“Seal the Deal” is a flagship initiative by the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and its ecosystem partners designed to empower early-stage startups. It provides a direct platform for founders in high-growth technology sectors to pitch their ventures to a panel of active investors, receive immediate feedback, and secure funding pledges. The program is a core component of Sharjah’s strategy to foster a knowledge-based economy by commercializing academic innovations and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Source: Sharjah24
