11 startup companies from 2,207 candidates compete in the final stage of the “Sharjah Gateway Challenge 2024”

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) organized at its headquarters in Sharjah the final stage of the “Sharjah Gateway Challenge 2024”, which is being held this year in two main tracks: agricultural technology solutions and livestock health, as the challenge invites emerging companies – during the growth stage – to provide innovative solutions. It enables it to overcome challenges and contribute to long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
The “Final Demo Day” is the last stop on the journey of 11 participants who qualified for the shortlist from among 2,207 candidates from all over the world. The final list included startups from 24 countries spread over six continents, namely; Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, and Australia.

11 companies
11 innovative startup companies presented their solutions and projects before a committee of judges. After a careful evaluation process, one distinguished startup company will be selected in each track, and each of them will receive contracts and financial grants worth 250,000 dirhams, in addition to receiving guidance and direction from the team. “Sheraa” and partners, with a period of 6 months to implement and employ their innovations to support Sharjah’s efforts to advance the food security system and enhance the emirate’s role in supporting agricultural technology solutions and livestock health.
Sarah Abdul Aziz Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), stressed the importance of the “Sharjah Gateway Challenge” and its positive impact, and said: “Sheraa is committed to empowering innovative entrepreneurs who aspire to provide solutions to the challenges facing our world today, and with the support of our partners and the efforts of the centers.” Excellence, which we launched to enhance the scene of growth and pioneering innovation in four main sectors focused on the future. We seek to continue to establish a culture of innovation and flexibility, and to support influential solutions that contribute to building a sustainable future for all, as we work to remain Sharjah a leading center for growth and development in various sectors at the local, regional and international levels. “.

Innovative ideas
Sheraa launched the sixth edition of the Sharjah Gateway Challenge in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, the official partner for this year’s edition of the challenge, and with the support of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in addition to the sponsorship and support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate Company,” and “Ghanem Holding Company.”
Prior to the final stage, representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock presented a comprehensive training program for institutional innovation. This initiative allowed those shortlisted to participate in specialized sessions to ensure that their solutions were compatible with the department’s needs, and the ability of those solutions to adapt to these needs.

The agricultural technology solutions track aims to overcome the challenges of water scarcity and promote sustainable agricultural practices, while the livestock health track focuses on innovative solutions to ensure the sustainability of livestock and enhance their security systems. The two tracks embody Sheraa’s commitment to supporting sustainable solutions that combine agricultural innovation and progress. Technological.

Jury
The list of members of the jury responsible for selecting the two startups that won the challenge includes Razan Al Hammadi, Director of the Green Development Department at the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah, Jamal Al Suwaidi, Director of Digital Transformation in the Department, and Maryam Al Muaini, Head of the Livestock Development Department in the Department, and from ( Sheraa) Her Excellency Sarah Abdel Aziz Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Sheraa, Mishal Tasdakdou, Director of Strategy Department, Abeer Al Amiri, Director of Partnerships and Programs Department, and Arwa Al Ghamai, Advisor to Sheraa’s Executive Director.
The final stage witnessed the presence of a number of influential parties who contribute to the success of the entrepreneurial system in Sharjah, namely; “Department of Agriculture and Livestock”, “Emirates Development Bank”, “Al Dhaid University”, “Sharjah Sustainable City”, “Du”, “University of Sharjah”, and the American Consulate, as their presence confirmed the shared vision of the entrepreneurial community towards… Adopting sustainable solutions and achieving a tangible positive impact.

Building a supportive system
The “Final Demo Day” is the final stage of the “Sharjah Gateway Challenge 2024”, which paves the way for the winning startups to begin implementing their solutions and make their positive impact in the agriculture and livestock sectors, by hosting startups from diverse backgrounds and multiple sectors, and providing… It is an opportunity to present its solutions. This initiative confirms the commitment of the Emirate of Sharjah to building a supportive system to enable entrepreneurs to make the desired change, provide sustainable solutions, and contribute to strengthening the region’s economy and prosperity.