Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) is a four-month, equity-free incubator program in Sharjah tailored for early-stage startups, especially in EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, and Creative Industries. It provides personalized support including startup roadmaps, access to 30+ expert advisors, 15 mentorship credits, AED 3M+ in software perks, co-working spaces, and a free one-year business license. The program helps startups scale through expert mentorship, investor introductions, and community networking, having enabled over 180 ventures with notable investment and revenue impact in the UAE ecosystem.
Typical Funding Amount: Approximately AED 110,000 (around USD 30,000) in pre-seed funding, plus AED 3 million+ in software perks and resources as part of an equity-free incubator program.
Funding Amount Range: AED 110,000 to AED 3,000,000 (approximately $30,000 USD in pre-seed funding plus AED 3 million in software perks and support)
Time to Funding: The average timeline from application to funding decision for Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) is approximately 3 months. Applications open on July 7, 2025, and close on September 7, 2025. Shortlisting occurs until the application deadline. The cohort announcement is on October 14, 2025, and the program launches on October 20, 2025. The program duration is four months, ending in February 2026, with a showcase event on February 1, 2026. Funding decisions and investor introductions happen during the program period.
The application process for Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) is as follows:
Additional details:
This process provides startups with personalized mentorship, investor introductions, access to co-working spaces, software perks, and community networking to scale effectively in the UAE ecosystem.
Startups must be early-stage with a scalable, tech-enabled model and early traction and revenue. Founders should be full-time with a dedicated team. Eligible sectors include EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, and Creative Industries. Commitment to expand within Sharjah and the UAE is required. The program offers a free one-year business license and is equity-free.
For early-stage startups applying to Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), it is crucial to have a scalable business model driven by tech-enabled solutions and demonstrate early customer traction and revenue. Founders should be fully committed, with a dedicated full-time founder and development team, and be coachable and open to feedback. The program requires bi-weekly 1:1 check-ins with expert advisors to stay on track and receive personalized guidance. Startups should prepare a compelling live demo and be ready to discuss their solution, business model, legal, and financial aspects during screening calls. Presence in the UAE is necessary for key program events like onboarding, demo days, and showcases to maximize networking and investor introductions. Utilizing the 15 mentorship credits effectively for expert sessions and capital introductions is critical. Engaging with Sheraa’s Centers of Excellence partners in priority sectors (EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, Creative Industries) helps gain traction and scale efficiently. The equity-free program allows startups to focus on growth without dilution, so thorough preparation and active participation are key to securing strategic investments and scaling in the UAE ecosystem.
| Feature | Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 4 months (Oct 2025–Feb 2026) |
| Equity Requirement | Equity-free participation |
| Cost to Participate | No fees |
| Business License | Free 1-year Sharjah business license |
| Target Stage | Early-stage startups |
| Priority Sectors | EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, Creative Industries |
| Mentorship Credits | 15 credits for 1:1 expert sessions |
| Expert Advisors | Access to 30+ Experts-in-Residence |
| Software Perks | AED 3M+ in software credits |
| Co-working Space | Access to Sheraa’s co-working hubs |
| Investor Access | Warm introductions to Sheraa CoE partners and investors |
| Community Networking | Membership in Sheraa’s entrepreneurial community |
| Personalized Roadmap | Customized startup playbook with KPI & progress tracking |
| Investment Support | Pitch prep, investor relations guidance, term sheet support |
| Scaling Support | Market/customer introductions, operational scaling advice |
| Showcase Opportunity | SEF 2026 pitch & roadshows, leadership retreat |
| Talent Hiring Support | Connections to Sharjah’s leading universities |
| Eligibility Criteria | Tech-enabled, scalable; early traction & revenue; full-time founders & team; Sharjah/UAE commitment |
| Location Requirement | In-person presence for key program events |
| Outcomes to Date | 180+ startups supported; $248M+ revenue; $171M+ investments; 1,900+ jobs created |
| Application Timeline | Open Jul 7–Sep 7; Cohort announced Oct 14; Launch Oct 20, 2025 |
Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) is a founder-first, equity-free incubator program designed to accelerate early-stage UAE startups in priority sectors with personalized mentorship, strategic partnerships, and comprehensive resources, all culminating in high-visibility showcase opportunities without any participation fees or equity dilution. (asc.sheraa.ae)
Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) is a four-month, equity-free incubator program tailored for early-stage startups in the UAE, focusing on sectors like EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, and Creative Industries. It offers personalized support including a startup roadmap, 15 mentorship credits for expert sessions, AED 3M+ in software perks, free one-year business licensing, co-working spaces, and access to a network of 30+ expert advisors and investors. Founders should ensure their startup has a scalable, tech-enabled business model with early customer traction and revenue, and be committed to operating in Sharjah and the UAE. Active participation in bi-weekly check-ins and presence at key program events in Sharjah is crucial for maximizing benefits. The application process involves online submission, screening calls, and deep-dive evaluations covering solution, business model, legal, and financial aspects. S3 provides a strong community and strategic partnerships without equity dilution, making it a great choice for founders seeking tailored growth support and market access in the UAE. When choosing funding paths, founders should consider S3’s sector focus, equity-free nature, and comprehensive resources compared to other incubators and accelerators to best match their startup stage and growth goals in the UAE ecosystem.
in5 is a Dubai-based incubator launched by TECOM Group that supports early-stage tech, media, and design startups by providing a comprehensive innovation platform. It offers specialized mentorship programs, subsidized workspace, access to business setup services including licensing and visas, and critical resources such as creative labs and networking opportunities. in5 plays a crucial role in nurturing startups from ideation to growth, helping them access investors and scale within Dubai's innovation ecosystem, making it a key resource for early-stage companies in the UAE.
Typical Funding Amount: Startups in the in5 incubator in Dubai have raised over AED 9 billion (approximately USD 2.45 billion) since inception, with individual funding rounds ranging from AED 1.8 million to AED 22 million.
Funding Amount Range: Startups within the in5 incubator have collectively raised over AED 9 billion (approximately USD 2.45 billion) since inception. Individual rounds range from AED 1.8 million to AED 22 million.
Time to Funding: Pitch sessions for applications at in5 are scheduled within 1-2 weeks of submission. Approved applicants must commence company registration within one week of the decision, and company registration takes between 7-10 working days.
The application process for joining in5 incubator involves several key steps:
Note: in5 does not take equity in startups, and funding is negotiated directly between startups and investors. The startup team must be based in Dubai if the application is approved, but applications can be submitted from anywhere online.
Startups must be early-stage tech, media, or design companies based in or willing to relocate to Dubai, UAE. They should have a viable business idea or minimum viable product (MVP) and demonstrate innovation, team capability, and market potential. The application process includes submitting an online application with business concept details, followed by a validation and presentation to a committee of industry experts. Selected startups enter an incubation period with access to subsidized workspace, licensing, visas, mentorship, and investor networking. The incubator supports startups through the ideation to growth phases, emphasizing commitment and contribution to Dubai's innovation ecosystem. The incubation tenure is up to 3 years with subsidized license and office lease pricing. Startups must comply with TECOM Group policies and provide required documentation for business setup and visa processing.
For early-stage startups engaging with in5 incubator in the UAE, success hinges on several key focus areas:
By focusing on these areas, early-stage startups can maximize their chances of gaining support, funding, and scaling successfully within Dubai's innovation ecosystem through in5.
| Feature | in5 (Dubai) | FasterCapital (Dubai) | Hub71 (Abu Dhabi) | DIFC FinTech Hive (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Description | Dubai-based incubator by TECOM Group supporting early-stage tech, media, and design startups with innovation platform, mentorship, subsidized workspace, business setup services (licenses, visas), creative labs, and networking. | Global venture builder and online incubator supporting seed-stage startups with co-funding, technical development, business development, and fundraising assistance. | Accelerator providing cash funding, housing, health insurance, office space, and connections to global tech investors, focused on fintech, AI, SaaS, healthtech. | Accelerator focused on fintech, insurtech, regtech startups offering regulatory guidance, networking, and pilot program access with banks. |
| Funding Type | Non-equity, subsidies, no equity taken | Equity investment, co-founder technical support, funding from $20K to $2M | $68K cash plus $68K in-kind, SAFE convertible note | Non-equity, perks, no equity taken |
| Focus Areas | Tech, media, design | Software development, fintech, innovative sectors | Fintech, AI, SaaS, healthtech | Fintech, insurtech, regtech |
| Key Features | Mentorship programs, subsidized workspace, business setup (licenses, visas), creative labs, networking opportunities, access to investors | Technical co-founder program, pitch deck and business plan support, investor network, online model | Cash funding, office space, health insurance, global investor network | Regulatory guidance, direct bank and VC connections, pilot programs |
| Application Process | Application with business plan, eligibility criteria focused on early-stage startups | Online application, interview, selection, onboarding, program participation | Competitive application, relocation required | Application and selection process, sector-specific |
| Eligibility | Early-stage startups in tech, media, design | Seed-stage startups with viable product and business model | Startups in fintech, AI, SaaS, healthtech | Fintech startups with focus on regulatory tech |
| Advantages | Equity-free support, subsidized licenses and visas, creative labs, strong Dubai ecosystem access, flexible for early-stage | Large funding range, technical co-founder support, extensive investor network | Significant funding and perks, global network, strong ecosystem | Strong sector focus, direct access to financial institutions |
| Limitations | Limited direct funding, focus on specific sectors | Equity dilution, primarily online model may lack local presence | Requires relocation, equity dilution | Sector-specific, limited to fintech-related startups |
| Notable Impact | Over 1,000 startups supported, billions raised collectively | Over 1,100 startups supported, $2.6B+ raised, 92% success rate | Leading UAE accelerator with strong investor connections | Key fintech accelerator in Dubai with strong bank partnerships |
| Stage Suitability | Early-stage startups (ideation to growth) | Seed-stage startups | Early to growth stage startups | Early to growth stage fintech startups |
| Summary | Ideal for early-stage tech, media, design startups seeking equity-free support with access to workspace, mentorship, and business setup in Dubai | Best for seed-stage startups needing technical co-founder and flexible funding | Best for startups needing significant funding and global network, especially in fintech and tech | Best for fintech startups needing regulatory and financial sector access |
This table provides a clear comparison of in5 and other top incubators and accelerators in the UAE, highlighting their features, advantages, and limitations to help early-stage startup founders make informed decisions.
in5 is a premier Dubai-based incubator launched by TECOM Group that supports early-stage tech, media, and design startups by providing a comprehensive innovation platform tailored to the UAE ecosystem. It offers specialized mentorship programs, subsidized workspace options including co-working desks and dedicated offices, and streamlined business setup services such as licensing and visa facilitation at highly affordable rates (e.g., AED 1,000/year license, co-working from AED 15,000/year). The application process is straightforward: founders submit an online application, get shortlisted, pitch to a committee of industry experts, and upon selection, enter an incubation period with access to mentorship, creative labs, networking events, and investor connections. in5’s ecosystem nurtures startups from ideation to growth, making it ideal for early-stage companies seeking to validate ideas, build prototypes, and scale within Dubai’s innovation landscape.
Stage-specific tips for maximizing success at in5 include preparing a clear business model and pitch for the committee presentation, leveraging the mentorship and networking events to refine your product-market fit, and using the subsidized workspace and business setup services to reduce operational overhead. Founders should be ready to engage actively with mentors and investors and plan for graduation into the in5 alumni network, which provides ongoing ecosystem support.
Compared to other funding paths, in5 excels in providing a holistic incubation environment with affordable entry costs and direct access to Dubai’s innovation ecosystem, making it a strategic choice for UAE early-stage startups aiming for growth and investor readiness. Founders should consider in5 when they need not only funding but also hands-on support, infrastructure, and community connections to accelerate their startup journey.
Additional UAE startup resources include TECOM Group’s broader innovation initiatives and Dubai Internet City, which complement in5’s offerings for scaling startups.
In summary, in5 is a key incubator option for early-stage UAE startups looking for mentorship, workspace, business setup ease, and investor access within a supportive innovation ecosystem tailored to their growth stage and sector focus.
