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Accelerators

Sheraa Sharjah Startup Studio (S3)

شراع - استوديو الشارقة للشركات الناشئة

Status

Status not published

Annual cohort. The published timeline for the most recent cycle was: applications open 7 July, close 7 September, cohort announced 14 October, programme running October to February with Demo Day and SEF showcase on 1 February. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis within the window.

Check with the funder
Amount
Not published

No cash grant and no equity: 'S3 does not take equity or charge a fee to participate in the program.' The package is in-kind: a free 1-year business licence at Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (Sheraa covers the first-year fee, approximately AED 3,000 / USD 820 per year), co-working space, 15 credits usable for 1:1 expert mentorship, partner introductions and VC/capital introductions, access to AED 3M+ in software perks, and a showcase at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival.

Funder

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)

public · regional

Deadline: One call a year — Annual cohort. The published timeline for the most recent cycle was: applications open 7 July, close 7 September, cohort announced 14 October, programme running October to February with Demo Day and SEF showcase on 1 February. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis within the window.

Your odds
Not published

This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.

Effort
moderate

Moderate — a form and supporting documents.

Who can apply

Criteria: scalable business model driven by tech-enabled solutions; ready for market with early customer traction and revenue generation; committed to operating and expanding within Sharjah and across the UAE; a dedicated full-time founder and development support team; and preferably operating in the priority sectors EdTech, Sustainability, Manufacturing or Creative Industries (other sectors welcome if relevant to those areas). Selected startups must obtain a business licence in Sharjah for at least two years, and must be present in the UAE for onboarding, demo days and showcases. Minimum commitment of 2 hours bi-weekly. Around 20 startups are selected.

How to apply

  1. Submit the application through the S3 programme website during the open window. — link
  2. Sheraa's internal assessment reviews every application.
  3. Founders who pass review are invited to a 20-minute screening call with a live product demo.
  4. Selected startups go to a deep-dive session covering solution, business model, legal and financial.
  5. On acceptance, sign the participation agreement and obtain a Sharjah business licence for at least two years.

What you will need

Related reading: How grant deadlines actually work

Apply on the funder's site

Source. https://www.asc.sheraa.ae/s3-program

"No, S3 does not take equity or charge a fee to participate in the program. ... Sheraa will cover the first-year licensing fee at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) as part of the program perks. You are required to obtain a business license in Sharjah for at least two years."

Verified on 14 August 2026

Source: www.asc.sheraa.ae

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Paid, separate from Unclaimed

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