The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025 is set to enhance the landscape of enterprise and innovation through its Startup Town Zone, which is powered by du, a leading telecommunications and digital services provider. This year, the zone will feature over 150 startup pods, creating a vibrant and connected environment for individuals eager to impact the UAE’s startup ecosystem.

A notable aspect of the festival is the Investors Lounge, powered by Multiples, which will accommodate more than 100 investors and facilitate over 320 meetings. This dedicated space is designed to help startups connect with potential investors, mentors, and industry experts, providing vital opportunities for business growth and guidance.

The Founders Stage will serve as the intellectual hub of the zone, showcasing influential entrepreneurs who will discuss various topics including industry disruption, sustainability in real estate, advancements in Edtech, scaling late-stage startups, and successful exit strategies. HSara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, the CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), stated that the Startup Town Zone aims to provide a platform for ambitious entrepreneurs to present their ventures to a global audience.

Fahad Al Hassawi, the CEO of du, emphasized that sponsoring the Startup Town Zone reflects their commitment to fostering entrepreneurship across the UAE. He mentioned that the initiative seeks to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors while highlighting key trends and encouraging discussions that will shape the future of the entrepreneurial landscape.

Speakers on the Founders Stage will include Abdallah Abu Sheikh, the founder of Astratech and CEO of Botim, along with Maaz Sheikh, co-founder and CEO of StarzPlay, who will share insights on innovation in media and entertainment. Other notable participants include Mazen Tabbara, CEO and co-founder of House of Pops, and Charlie Wright, founder of Humantra, who will discuss trends in the food and beverage and wellness sectors, respectively.

The festival will also feature Nikita and Rhea Patel, co-founders of The Bureau, and Vicky Kukreja, founder and CEO of Anphonic, who will address issues related to coworking, female entrepreneurship, and AI-powered e-commerce. With over 150 startup pods, the Startup Town Zone will allow participants to showcase their innovative solutions and forge valuable connections.

One of the highlights of SEF 2025 will be the SEF x 1Tank Pitch Competition, which presents entrepreneurs with the opportunity to pitch their ideas and compete for grants totaling AED 200,000, as well as potential investor funding of up to AED 500,000. This competition embodies the festival’s spirit by transforming bold ideas into actionable realities.

The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place on February 1st and 2nd at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). The festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with game-changing insights and networking opportunities for all attendees.