The second edition of the Seal the Deal 2025 initiative concluded on 23 October 2025, with nine start‑ups securing investment commitments exceeding AED 4 million (≈ US$ 1.08 million).
Organised under the umbrella of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK), in partnership with Sheraa (the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre), Invest in Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah, the pitch‑day event took place during the Sharjah Investment Forum & WAIPA World Investment Conference 2025 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.
Each of the nine selected teams delivered a five‑minute pitch followed by a panel Q&A session. The combined pledges exceeded AED 4 million, reflecting investor interest in entrepreneurship and the innovation ecosystem in Sharjah.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SPARK, attended the event, underscoring the emirate’s commitment to linking academic innovation with business investment.
SPARK CEO Hussain Al Mahmoudi described the initiative as having “evolved into a unique platform that brings together academia, investors and the private sector to transform scientific research and innovation into sustainable business ventures.”
Sheraa Executive Director Sara Al Nuaimi said the 2025 edition expanded its scope to include student- and faculty-led ventures, as well as early-stage companies based in Sharjah, thereby broadening the innovation pipeline.
Invest in Sharjah CEO Mohammed Juma Al Musharrkh added that the initiative exemplifies Sharjah’s strategy of transforming innovation into productive investment through integrated collaboration between academia and the private sector.
The programme emphasised start‑ups operating in advanced technology and sustainability sectors including artificial intelligence, robotics and clean‑tech, and offered founders the chance to engage directly with senior investors such as Abdullah Abu Sheikh, Mishal Kanoo and Sherif Beshara.
Organisers noted that while the investment pledges are significant, actual follow‑through, deal structuring, due diligence and commercialisation support remain critical to converting commitments into fully funded ventures.
The success of Seal the Deal 2025 highlights Sharjah’s growing role as a regional hub for innovation and startup funding, aligning with broader UAE goals to expand its entrepreneurial ecosystem and move towards a knowledge‑based economy.
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