The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is bringing its venture-building expertise to Nestlé UAE’s ‘NextGen Founders’ program, with applications now open for the 10-week initiative.
Designed for university students, recent graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18–30 across the UAE, the program aims to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses through practical entrepreneurship training, mentorship and industry engagement, as well as guiding participants through the process of developing and validating their business ideas.
Applications are open until November 11, 2026, through https://sheraa.ae/nestle-nextgen, with individuals and teams eligible to apply. Priority will be given to team applications and AI-integrated startup ideas or early prototypes, with particular interest in sustainability, manufacturing, food and beverage, supply chain and logistics, packaging, and health and nutrition.
NextGen Founders, delivered in Strategic Partnership with MAJRA and the UAE Food Cluster, the initiative supports the objectives of the UAE’s National Agenda for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, which aims to establish the country as an entrepreneurial nation by 2031.
Targeting approximately 200 aspiring entrepreneurs, the program will select around 50–60 teams for its initial validation phase, with the top 15 progressing to acceleration. Winning teams will share AED 150,000 in prize grants and receive access to Sheraa membership, alongside business licensing and legal assistance.
H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: “A promising idea is only the starting point of entrepreneurship. Its potential depends on whether it responds to a real market need and can be developed into a solution that customers are willing to adopt. Through NextGen Founders, we are working to connect young entrepreneurs with industry experience, market insight and commercial opportunities that can help them test and strengthen their ideas. As AI creates new possibilities for innovation, our focus is on helping entrepreneurs apply it purposefully and build businesses that are ready to grow, compete and create lasting value.”
Sarah Shaw, CEO of Majra – National CSR Fund, said: “Enabling young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into businesses that can grow is central to building a competitive and sustainable economy. NextGen Founders reflects Majra’s belief that entrepreneurship can help address social and economic challenges when ventures are built around real market needs and adopt responsible business practices from the start. Through this initiative, we are strengthening the private sector’s role as an active partner in the UAE’s long-term development priorities.”
Rachid Maalouli, Managing Director, Nestlé Coastal Arabia Cluster, said: “Through NextGen Founders, we want to give young entrepreneurs the practical support, expertise and industry exposure they need to turn promising ideas into viable businesses. By bringing together Nestlé’s industry experience with Sheraa’s entrepreneurship expertise, and the support of MAJRA and the UAE Food Cluster, we are creating an environment where participants can test their ideas, build new capabilities and develop solutions with real market potential. Investing in young entrepreneurs is an investment in the UAE’s future, and in the talent, innovation and enterprise that will contribute to a more resilient and competitive economy.”
Building businesses through practical experience
Beginning in November 2026, the 10-week program will guide participants through key stages of developing a business – from defining a problem and testing an idea to building a prototype, validating a business model and preparing to enter the market.
Around 50–60 selected teams will begin with a validation phase comprising four interactive, in-person workshops. Working with Sheraa’s Experts-in-Residence and using AI tools, participants will develop their solutions, engage with potential customers and test whether their ideas address genuine market needs.
The top 15 teams will then progress to an acceleration phase, receiving further guidance on business models, go-to-market strategies, financial readiness and pitching. This stage will combine in-person workshops with individual online mentorship, culminating in a Demo Day where teams will present their ventures to a panel of judges.
Grants and industry opportunities
At Demo Day, the three winning teams will share AED 150,000 in prize grants. Winning teams will also receive access to Sheraa membership, including mentorship, ecosystem access and assistance with business licensing and legal requirements.
Beyond financial awards and access to membership, the program offers opportunities for participants to engage with industry. Up to five selected participants may also be offered internships with Nestlé, subject to its recruitment requirements and timelines.
Participation is free, and the program does not require founders to give up equity. While applications from teams will be prioritised, individuals with promising ideas or early prototypes are also eligible.
