Sheraa unlocks entrepreneurial potential in emerging AI sector

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) recently hosted a highly engaging and informative workshop on entrepreneurship as part of the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office’s ‘AI SUMMER CAMP 5.0’. Titled, ‘Building Blocks of Entrepreneurship: A workshop from ideation to implementation,’ the empowering session covered a range of topics related to entrepreneurship and was held at the Sheraa headquarters within the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park.

The workshop, led by Sheraa’s team of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors, gave 25 eager participants an exclusive opportunity to learn about the different stages of the entrepreneurial journey, the skills and resources they need to succeed, and the potential of the emerging AI industry. Open to all aspiring entrepreneurs, the 4-hour jam-packed session demonstrated the various ways Sheraa is committed to helping entrepreneurs capitalise on this opportunity.

Empowering entrepreneurs: During the workshop, participants were introduced to key tools and concepts that are crucial for entrepreneurial success. The ‘Business Blueprint Canvas’ was discussed as a strategic planning tool, enabling those attending to visualise and organise their business ideas and strategies. The workshop additionally focused on crafting an impactful ‘Elevator Pitch’, teaching participants how to effectively communicate their concepts in a concise and compelling manner.

To enhance pitching skills further, an interactive session was held titled ‘Pitch This’, which allowed those participating to practise and receive feedback on their ideas. Another important topic covered was ‘Journey Mapping’, with a specific emphasis on identifying pain points rather than jumping to solutions. By understanding the customer journey and these points, participants were equipped with the knowledge to develop solutions that address real world needs.

Commenting on the positive response to the workshop, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of Sheraa, said, “AI has the potential to transform industries, and we intend to help the ecosystem we have established in Sharjah to lead the way in this field. Our partnership with the UAE AI Camp has equipped participants with a road-map to success, providing the knowledge and skills they need to develop and launch impactful AI-powered businesses.”

Expanding on the role that Sheraa plays in the entrepreneurial landscape, Najla Al Midfa stated, “At Sheraa we firmly believe that entrepreneurship is essential for economic growth and innovation, and we are committed to providing support and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs on every step of their journey.”

More than 300 ideas to sustainably tackle food waste were presented by 150 youth recently at the ‘Sustainability Hackathon’, organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa),in partnership with the Information & Communication Technology Fund (ICT Fund) and powered by BEEAH Education, the environmental education, awareness and awarding organisation of BEEAH Group.

The event was held in line with the UAE celebrating 2023 as the Year of Sustainability ahead of the nation hosting the prestigious COP 28 later this year.

The event focused on exploring solutions centered around sustainability in food waste, as chosen by the hackathon’s challenge partner BEEAH Education, driving young entrepreneurs to develop creative and innovative solutions. The overarching goal was to foster a sense of responsibility and empower young minds to actively contribute to a more sustainable world.

Winning teams unveiled: Taqsim, Daima, Eco-Karam, and ZeroIT take the lead.

Four teams were selected from the 10 finalist groups that competed in advanced segments of the hackathon meeting experts and receiving mentorship, developing prototypes,and pitching their project to industry leaders.

Wowing the jury going beyond being just an app and serving as a lifeline for the planet, Taqsim, an innovative waste management application that aims to revolutionise how we handle waste and protect the environment, won the top position at the weekend sustainability hackathon. Taqsim project prototype transformed waste management into an engaging and rewarding experience while also providing educational resources. With the Taqsim app, users can track their performance and progress through a dashboard powered by AI technology, allowing them to monitor their waste management efforts.

Daima, which grabbed the second position, is a revolutionising farming project offering farmers a cutting-edge, automated, and sustainable system: the two-layer greenhouse. This innovative solution stands out from traditional farming methods by incorporating advanced technologies and methods. The customised farming systems by Daima optimise space utilisation, reduce energy consumption, repurpose excess water, and maximise crop yields.