SEF Awards AED 200,000 in Cash Prizes and Investment Opportunities
The eighth edition of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025 kicked off with the much-anticipated SEF x 1Tank Startup Pitch Competition and its winners. celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in the region. The competition awarded AED 200,000 in cash prizes, along with investment opportunities of up to AED 500,000.
Held as part of the SEF Networking Night presented by du, the awards ceremony brought together leading investors, industry experts, and ecosystem enablers, reinforcing SEF’s role as a premier platform for startup growth.
SEF 2025 Startup Pitch Competition Winners
The competition featured four tracks, with pioneering startups recognized for their groundbreaking solutions:
- Sustainability Track (sponsored by Emaar): Solumar
- Creative Industries Track (powered by Emarat): Gam3s.GG
- Tech & Industry 4.0 Track (powered by du): Hulexo
- EdTech Track (sponsored by Crescent Enterprises): Squirrel Education
SEFFY Awards Recognize Outstanding Entrepreneurs
The event also showcased the prestigious SEFFY Awards, honoring entrepreneurs and organizations driving impactful change. The winners included:
- Social Impact Award: The Waste Lab
- Tech Innovation Award: Pulse IoT Technologies
- Ecosystem Enabler Award: BEEAH Group
- Rising Star Award: Remal
- Outstanding Mentor Award: Dr. Mohamed Al Hemairy
A Thriving Ecosystem for Entrepreneurs
This year, SEF received over 400 nominations, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE.
Gregg Pearce, Head of SME Segment at du, emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in his keynote speech:
“There has never been a better time to be an entrepreneur, and no better place than the UAE to start your journey. Let’s invest in entrepreneurs to ensure the continued growth of the community.”
Abeer Al Amiri, Head of Partnerships & Programs at Sheraa, highlighted Sheraa’s impact on the startup ecosystem:
“Since 2016, we have supported over 450 startups, created more than 1,900 jobs, generated over $248 million in revenue, and secured over $271 million in investments. Our mission is to continue empowering entrepreneurs, positioning the Emirates as a leading hub for highly skilled talent and groundbreaking ventures.”
SEF 2025 – The Largest Edition Yet
With 300+ speakers from 45 countries, 250 activations, and five dynamic stages, SEF 2025 stands as the largest and most impactful edition to date.
As entrepreneurship in the UAE continues to flourish, SEF remains a key driver of innovation, collaboration, and business growth, solidifying Sharjah’s position as a global startup hub.
About SEF
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) is an annual event organized by Sheraa (Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center), dedicated to supporting startups, fostering innovation, and empowering entrepreneurs across the MENA region.
