SEF 2024’s Startup Town to host talks from over 40 world-renowned entrepreneurs, an ‘Investor Lounge,’ and partner pavilions

At the upcoming Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2024 — slated for 3-4 February at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park — the Startup Town is set to unfold as a vibrant mini-ecosystem encompassing engaging discussions on the ‘Founders Stage’, pitch competitions, creative workshops as well as an ‘Investor Lounge’ which will provide exclusive networking opportunities and direct feedback from some of the world’s leading investors and founders.

Within SEF’s thematic zones of ‘Impact,’ ‘Founders,’ ‘Community,’ and ‘Creativity,’ this curated space will provide the ideal venue for entrepreneurs, VCs, tech leaders, and ecosystem enablers to connect and explore groundbreaking opportunities with over 200 activities.

A gathering of visionary entrepreneurs and industry experts

The Founder’s Stage is set to be a vibrant arena of thought leadership, featuring 16 panels with nearly 40 industry luminaries. Guaranteeing a diverse and enriching experience, overflowing with valuable insights and inspiration, the speakers will include: Khaled Al Huraimel, GCEO, BEEAH Group; and Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of  Sharjah Research and Technology Innovation Park; Khaled Talhouni, Founder and Managing Partner of Nuwa Capital; Philip Bahoshy, Founder of Magnitt; Faisal Juma Khalfan Belhoul, Chairman of J&F Holdings; Mohammed Aldossary, Cofounder of Sary; Dr. Ebtesam Al Mazrouei, Acting Chief AI Researcher, and Co Founder Al-Cross Center Unit (AICCU) at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII); Raya Bidshahri, Founder of School of Humanity; Sharif El Bidawi, CEO of Dubai Future District Fund; along with other renowned industry leaders.

These esteemed entrepreneurs will engage in panel discussions, sharing their knowledge and networking with budding entrepreneurs. Topics include:

• In-depth panels on the evolution and future of deep tech, e-mobility, AI, biohacking, and fintech.
• Educational sessions addressing the potential of edtech and envisioning the future of learning.
• Spotlight on Venture Capital and Startup Growth
• Discussions on effective fundraising and scaling strategies for startups.
• Real-life entrepreneurial stories filled with challenges and triumphs.
• Tackling the intricacies of co-founder relationships and the keys to successfully scaling startups.

One-on-one feedback and startup showcases from festival partners

There will also be dedicated areas within the mini-ecosystem of the Startup Town, designed to facilitate networking, mentorship, and a glimpse into emerging startups from festival partners. The ‘Investor Lounge’, an exclusive space that will host one-on-one conversations with leading investors and founders, will provide opportunities for startups to receive direct feedback from experts.

Additionally, the ‘Canadian Pavilion’, hosted by Toronto Metropolitan University’s ‘DMZ,’ ranked the #1 university-based tech incubator in the world by UBI Global; and the ‘EDT&Partners Pavilion,’ a global, purpose-driven consulting firm, dedicated to imagine, inspire and improve education, will spotlight prominent startups from Canada and the EdTech industry, respectively, underlining SEF’s dedication to global collaboration and innovation through these official festival partnerships.

Catalyzing growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem

The 7th annual Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2024, organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), is set to captivate audiences from February 3-4 at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Under the theme of “Our Shared Canvas,” this celebration of entrepreneurship promises an immersive experience as SEF 2024 becomes a hub of ideas and opportunities, featuring an impressive lineup of 200 speakers from 15 different countries.

For more details and to secure your participation, please visit www.sharjahef.com.