Call for applications: Creative startups contest in the MENA region

The initiative seeks to empower innovative, creative and tech-savvy startups to grow and push the boundaries of the CCIs. It was inspired by the United Nations Assembly’s declaration of 2021 as the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.

How to participate in the Access Sharjah Challenge

Participants can propose solutions for either one of the challenges below:

• Reimagine how people come together in one place to belong in the moment and truly connect with one another.
• Liberate art and artefacts from frames and display cases and give them a deeper resonance in people’s everyday lives.

Note: As part of the application, applicants must submit a public access link of a one-minute video pitch, a pitch deck and a case study of a previous implementation of their business.

Eligibility

The CCIs include the following sectors:

• Audiovisual.
• Design and creative services.
• Performance and celebration.
• Visual arts and crafts.
• Books and press.
• Cultural and natural heritage.

Sheraa is looking for startups and businesses that:

• Generate revenue.
• Have at least one full-time founder.
• Are successful prior implementations of concepts.
• Are headquartered in the MENA region: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Selection criteria

The prize will be awarded based on:

• Team experience.
• Impact of solution.
• Potential scalability.
• Relevance to UAE and Sharjah.

Two winning solutions will receive:

• Cash prizes.
• Sponsored implementation of the solution.
• $7 000 cash towards operational business support including business licensing and co-working space.
• Connections to public and private entities for business development.
• Mentorship by Sheraa’s team of experts and network of global mentors.
• Media and public relations coverage.

Interested applicants can access the application form here. The application deadline is 10 October.

View the original call here.