The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has announced an exceptional opportunity for the UAE’s most innovative female tech entrepreneurs and is now accepting applications from UAE-based, women-led startups to receive fully sponsored participation at Expand North Star 2025 in Dubai from October 12 to 15 at Dubai Harbour.
This sponsorship is designed to propel local talent onto the global stage and will select eight UAE-based founders to exhibit their businesses at the international event, gaining unparalleled access to a network of global investors, venture capitalists, and industry leaders. Furthermore, all sponsored startups will be automatically entered into the event’s flagship ‘Supernova Challenge,’ the world’s largest startup pitch competition, which boasts a prize pool of $214,000 in equity-free grants.
Commenting on the announcement, H.E. Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, stated, “Beyond our comprehensive business ecosystem at SBWC, one of our core missions is to ensure that the pioneering women shaping the UAE’s economy have the opportunity to excel on the global stage. By empowering our members at Expand North Star, we not only support their growth, but position them to become the next generation of leaders shaping innovation for the entire region. The ‘Supernova Challenge’ is where great ideas meet global opportunity, and we are proud to open that door for female-led startups.”
To be considered for this exclusive opportunity, applicants must be a founder or co-founder of a licensed startup that has been operating for less than five years and be based in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, the founder must be a member of the Sharjah Business Women Council, and membership can be applied for concurrently during the registration process at https://shorturl.at/E9KV7.
All applications will be thoroughly assessed by a selection committee based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including the startup’s level of innovation, market opportunity, strength of its business model, current traction, and overall team strengths.
Beyond the main Supernova Challenge prizes, sponsored founders will also be eligible to compete for two prestigious special awards. The ‘Sustainability Leaders Pitch Competition’, powered by North Star Impact, offers a $10,000 equity-free cash prize for startups driving environmental and social change. Simultaneously, the ‘Fintech & Blockchain Disruptor Award’, powered by Fintech Surge & Future Blockchain Summit, also provides a $10,000 equity-free grant to the most innovative solution in the financial technology sector. These dedicated awards provide further opportunities for niche pioneers to gain recognition and secure vital funding to scale their impactful ventures.
With the deadline of September 15 fast approaching, founders are encouraged to seize this opportunity. For more eligibility information, contact membership@sbwc.ae, and to submit an application, fill out the registration form: https://shorturl.at/E9KV7.
