Sharjah: The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has announced the winners of the sixth edition of the ‘Access Sharjah Challenge’, with two startups, NoorNation and Faunatech, each receiving AED250,000 as part of a total prize of AED500,000.
According to Emirates News Agency, the sixth edition of the challenge witnessed unprecedented participation, attracting 2,207 applications from 24 countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Egypt, France, Argentina, New Zealand, India, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkiye, Oman, Germany, the Netherlands, Qatar, Brazil, and Palestine, among others.
The shortlist featured 11 companies competing for the top spot across two tracks: AgriTech and Livestock Health. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasized the strategic approach of the challenge in exploring innovative solutions to pressing global issues directly related to the needs and evolving challenges of modern societies. The event has reinforced Sharjah’s position as a global hub for attracting ambitious talents and creative ideas that have a tangible impact across various sectors.
Supporting entrepreneurs at Sheraa is a fundamental part of a broader developmental vision aimed at establishing innovation as a primary driver of economic and social growth. Sheraa provides a comprehensive ecosystem that enables entrepreneurs to develop viable solutions and effectively contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future.
Salem Abdullah Al Kaabi, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, stated that their partnership in the Access Sharjah Challenge reflects a commitment to making innovation a central pillar in advancing the agriculture and livestock sectors by supporting practical solutions grounded in a precise understanding of challenges. The winning solutions have demonstrated the potential of modern technologies to bring significant transformation in agricultural resource management, enhance livestock productivity, and strengthen sustainable food security.
In the AgriTech track, Sheraa invited startups to present solutions for sustainable irrigation amid water scarcity, while the Livestock Health track focused on innovations in monitoring, preventive care, and medication delivery. NoorNation won the challenge in the AgriTech track with its innovative “LifeBox” system, a solar-powered water desalination and pumping solution designed to address water challenges.
Ragy Ramadan, Founder and CEO of NoorNation, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Sheraa and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah, highlighting the positive impact of LifeBox on water provision, food security, and resilience for farms, communities, and industries.
Faunatech emerged victorious in the Livestock Health track with a smartphone-based diagnostic platform ensuring early detection of livestock diseases. The “Fauna SCC Test” improves milk quality and reduces antibiotic use, with Co-founder and CEO Rajat Pandya recognizing the Access Sharjah Challenge as a significant milestone for Faunatech’s expansion in the UAE and the Middle East dairy market.
The Access Sharjah Challenge is an annual competition organized by Sheraa, inviting international startups to solve industry-specific challenges. It has provided a platform for startups to showcase and scale their solutions in Sharjah, supporting visionary entrepreneurs and promoting innovation across various sectors.