The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Startup Middle East to strengthen cross-border collaboration and market access for startups in the UAE and India. The agreement, signed on August 25th, 2025, is part of a broader effort to connect entrepreneurs to global platforms and foster collaborative innovation.
Key Highlights
This partnership establishes a formal framework to build a vibrant innovation corridor between the two nations:
- Strategic Partnership: A Memorandum of Understanding between Sheraa and Startup Middle East.
- Key Initiative: The establishment of the Sharjah Centre of India Startup Hub (ISH).
- Core Mission: To expand market access, connect entrepreneurs to global platforms, and foster collaborative innovation between the UAE and India.
- Event Collaboration: The partnership extends to major Indian startup events like Huddle Global and Startup Mahakumbh.
A Bridge for Cross-Border Innovation
At the heart of the partnership is the establishment of the Sharjah Centre of India Startup Hub, a dedicated platform designed to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem.
Siby Sudhakaran, CEO of Startup Middle East, said, “The India Startup Hub is a landmark initiative… This Hub will serve as a powerful catalyst, connecting Indian innovators with Sharjah’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape.” The agreement outlines a strategic roadmap to unlock new avenues for growth and expansion for innovators in both countries.
Expanding Market Access for Startups
The collaboration is designed to create tangible opportunities for startups in both ecosystems. H.E. Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, commented, “This agreement with Startup Middle East brings Indian founders closer to Sharjah’s entrepreneurial community and creates new opportunities for our startups to expand into one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Together, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant ecosystem of innovation between the UAE and India.” Sheraa is also expanding its collaborations with other government entities in India to strengthen its flagship initiatives like the Access Sharjah Challenge.
Deepening Ties with the Indian Ecosystem
The agreement was signed in the presence of Anoop Ambika, CEO of Kerala Startup Mission, highlighting the deep connections being forged. Ambika noted that the new hub “creates a powerful bridge for Kerala Startup Mission to harness this diaspora’s sectoral expertise.” The partnership reinforces Sharjah’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship while creating a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial future between the UAE and India.
Source: Zawya
