ECO-PRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

NURTURING IDEAS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

TURN YOUR IDEAS INTO SUCCESSFUL STARTUPS

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

DO YOU WANT TO CREATE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON THE WORLD THROUGH INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS?

Learn how to ideate, design, and build your startup with the help of leading industry experts.

The curated program is by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, a Strategic Partner to the Ministry of Education as part of the Greening Communities Pillar within the UAE’s Green Education Initiative, in close partnership with Sheraa, our implementing partner.

Program
TIMELINES

September 25th 2023 – October 13th 2023

AT 11:59 PM GST

October 16th 2023 – (Monday)

20th – 22nd October and 27 – 29th October

AT EXPO CITY, DUBAI

November 6th until December 7th

AT SHERAA HQ, SHARJAH

JAN – APR 2024

AT SHERAA HQ, SHARJAH

THE PROGRAM JOURNEY

STAGE 1

10 DAYS

IGNITE YOUR INNOVATION

WEEKEND BOOTCAMP

In this immersive 10-day startup ideation bootcamp, dive into the world of entrepreneurship and innovation. Learn to harness the power of design thinking, rapid prototyping, and customer validation. Connect with like-minded people to solve real-world challenges, refine your ideas, and prepare to pitch confidently.

20 Oct - 22 Oct 2023
27 Oct - 29 Oct 2023

AT EXPO CITY, DUBAI

REFINE YOUR VISION

PRE-ACCELERATOR

The 5 shortlisted teams from the Bootcamp will be accepted to the Pre-Accelerator. Build the startup foundation, gain expert insights on goal setting, customer discovery, product development, and go-to market strategies.

6 Nov - 7 Dec 2023

4 HOURS WEEKLY/ EVENINGS
SHERAA HQ/ ONLINE

STAGE 2

6 WEEKS

STAGE 3

PITCH

AMPLIFY YOUR IMPACT

PITCH AT COP28

Seize the spotlight on the stage at COP28, where the 5 winning startups ideas will take center stage and get the chance to pitch to a global audience.

DECEMBER 2023

AT EXPO CITY, DUBAI

TRANSFORM YOUR STARTUP

ACCELERATOR

The 3 winning teams from the pitch competition at COP28 advance to a 16-week customized accelerator program, guided by Experts-in-Residence (EiRs), to successfully launch startups.

JAN - APR 2024

SHERAA HQ/ ONLINE

STAGE 4

4 MONTHS

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Eco-preneurship Program is looking for individuals who are passionate about creating a sustainable future. If any of the following resonate with you, this program is for you!

PASSIONATE ABOUT
SUSTAINABILITY

If you're aged between 18-35, and deeply care for the environment.

ASPIRING
ENTREPRENEURS

If you’re a visionary problem solver, with an appetite for innovation.

COLLABORATORS
AND CREATORS

If you’re a believer in the strength of collective effort for the greater good.

Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, young professional, or simply someone passionate about sustainability, the Eco-preneurship Program is your opportunity to channel your energy into creating lasting change.

COMPETE FOR AED275,000 IN GRANTS

We understand that every step of your journey requires support, and that’s why we’ve curated a range of prizes to empower your startup dreams.

BOOTCAMP WINNERS

EQUITY-FREE GRANTS OF AED 25,000 EACH

The top 5 teams emerging from the Bootcamp will be awarded equity-free grants, each amounting to AED 25,000.

PITCH COMPETITION AT COP28 WINNERS

Equity-free grants of AED 50,000 each

The 3 winning teams will receive AED 50,000 to further propel their startups in Sharjah.

ALL PARTICIPANTS

STARTUP
BLUEPRINT

All participants of the Bootcamp gain exclusive access to an 8-week online program that provides valuable resources, and insights to nurture startup creation.

FAQS

The program is open to Emirati and Arab youth aged 18-35.

Please submit your application form. Remember, applications are open from 25 Sep – 13 Oct 2023.

Absolutely! Team applications are encouraged. If you don’t have a team, no worries; the bootcamp will help you find like-minded collaborators.

This program is funded by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, and therefore participation in the program is completely free of charge. We’re here to empower your journey!

Our team will review all submissions on an on-going basis. Shortlisted applicants will receive notifications by the 16 Oct 2023, with further instructions on the next steps.

The 5 teams from the Pre-Accelerator stage will be evaluated at the COP28 pitch competition by a panel of expert judges.

The Eco-preneurship Program is an in-person experience that requires your physical presence.

As of now, the program is limited to participants who can be present in the UAE for the entire phases of the program.

While we have grants for winning teams, every participant gains valuable knowledge, skills, and insights throughout the program.

As a selected participant of the Bootcamp, you will benefit from an 8-week online program that provides you with valuable resources, and insights to nurture your startup dreams.

OUR PARTNERS

Our program is made possible through collaboration with partners who share our commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.