SEF celebrates innovation, impact in the entrepreneurial landscape

Celebrating innovation and impact in the entrepreneurial sector, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) has launched the 2024 SEFFY Awards. The awards are based on nominations and will honour outstanding startup founders and mentors for their achievements within the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Nominations are now open at https://sheraa.info/sef2024-seffyawards and close for entries on Jan.18, 2024.

The SEFFY Awards, integral to the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival; a flagship event organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); recognises founders and mentors for their exceptional contributions in various domains, while embracing the diverse expanse of entrepreneurship with four distinctive categories, each spotlighting a unique facet of entrepreneurial triumph.

The Techpreneur Award is dedicated to recognising founders that have reimagined the future with their innovative products, services, or strategies. The Social Impact Award applauds founders committed to creating positive, enduring change underscoring the significance of impact and sustainability.

For the Emerging Founder Award, the spotlight is on the young, first time founders igniting the startup scene with fresh ideas and impressive achievements. Lastly, the Outstanding Mentor Award pays tribute to mentors who play an instrumental role in guiding startups to success, offering invaluable support and knowledge.

Encouraging founders and mentors to nominate or apply for these prestigious awards, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, stated, “In the pursuit of entrepreneurial excellence, the SEFFY Awards serve to recognise and commend the exceptional achievements of startup founders and mentors within the UAE and the broader region. We extend an invitation to showcase exceptional ventures and gain well-deserved recognition for innovative and impactful contributions. “

All nominations will undergo a thorough review by experts, with the shortlist of exceptional founders and mentors scheduled to be announced in late January, marking a significant milestone in recognising the best and brightest in the UAE’s startup ecosystem.

The winners of the SEFFY Awards will be revealed at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival on February 3rd and 4th, 2024.

The UAE’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2024, is taking an immersive approach for its upcoming 7th edition on February 3-4, 2024, which will bring together more than 150 visionary founders, industry leaders, investors and emerging entrepreneurs together. Spanning 9 specialised areas, it focuses on key sectors such as technology, creative economy, and sustainability, creating a dynamic platform for networking and innovation.

Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), the two-day event is set to captivate audiences at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Under the theme of “Our Shared Canvas,” this celebration of entrepreneurship promises an immersive experience as SEF 2024 becomes a hub of ideas and opportunities.

The event comprises 5 exclusive zones and 4 stages. Within these dedicated zones, SEF 2024 will host more than 200 activities including discussions, pitch competitions, performances, creative workshops, investor-investee networking sessions, and more.

These specialised areas will present boundless opportunities for entrepreneurial engagement and innovation for the entire ecosystem and have been strategically designed around key streams of ‘impact,’ ‘founders,’ ‘community,’ and ‘creativity,’ offering founders, VCs, tech leaders, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, and ecosystem enablers a vibrant platform to connect, learn, ideate, and scout the next big opportunity.

Speaking about the upcoming festival, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, stated, “We have put a great deal of thought and effort into creating a truly immersive and empowering experience for all that will attend SEF 2024. Under our overarching theme of “Our Shared Canvas,” SEF 2024 will encapsulate the essence of collaborative innovation and collective impact; As it serves as a powerful metaphor, illustrating how the diverse strokes of individual and collective efforts come together to create a positive sustainable ecosystem of entrepreneurship.”

The five designated zones and four exclusive stages within each themed area at SEF 2024 are more than spaces; they have been designed as mini ecosystems specialised in the key sectors of technology, creative economy, sustainability, and more. These vibrant spaces will host over 150 renowned speakers, over 30 workshops on numerous topics of interest to both existing and emerging entrepreneurial talents, feature 100+ exhibiting startups including tech-driven sustainability focused founders, and more, enabling festival attendees to transform their ideas into opportunities, paving the way for limitless possibilities.