Nominations Now Open For SEFFY Awards 2025: Celebrating Entrepreneurial Innovation And Excellence

The countdown has officially begun for the SEFFY Awards 2025, which honors the accomplishments of startup founders and mentors in the UAE and recognizes visionaries, enablers, trailblazers, and changemakers. A highlight of the upcoming Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) — organized by Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), as the biggest event of its kind in the region — the SEFFY Awards will celebrate considerable achievements across five key categories: Outstanding Mentor, Social Impact, Technology, Ecosystem Enabler, and Rising Star.

By spotlighting innovation and resilience, the awards not only commend individual and organizational excellence but also underscore Sheraa’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and connect them with global opportunities.

Nominations for the SEFFY Awards 2025 are open until 19, January 2025 and entrepreneurs, mentors, corporates, and other ecosystem contributors are encouraged to participate by submitting their nominations at https://sharjahef.com/seffy-awards-2025. Entrants must be UAE based and winners will be announced during SEF 2025, taking place from 1–2, February 2025 at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park.

Commenting on the announcement of the upcoming awards,  Abeer Al Ameeri, Head of Partnerships and Programs at Sheraa said, “Winning a SEFFY Award provides a springboard for growth and opportunity with awardees gaining increased visibility, industry recognition, and exclusive access to Sheraa’s expansive global network of investors, markets, and collaborators. We have designed these awards to identify excellence and amplify the achievements of our winners, helping to position them as leaders in their respective fields, and unlocking new pathways for expansion and impact.”

Recognising excellence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem

The Outstanding Mentor Award honors individuals who selflessly share their expertise and experience, guiding entrepreneurs toward sustainable success. These mentors are essential in cultivating the next generation of business leaders and innovators.

The Social Impact Award celebrates founders who prioritize societal and environmental well-being, demonstrating how businesses can be both profitable and purposeful while addressing pressing global challenges. Meanwhile, the Tech Award is reserved for pioneers leveraging technology to create impactful solutions, recognizing innovators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and redefining industries.

The Ecosystem Enabler Award acknowledges organizations that champion startup growth through partnerships, resources, and collaborative initiatives. Their efforts create fertile ground for innovation and opportunity within the entrepreneurial community. Finally, the Rising Star Award shines a light on those showing entrepreneurial excellence under the age of 35, championing bold ideas and impactful ventures that are shaping industries and inspiring others to pursue entrepreneurial paths.

The selection process for the SEFFY Awards 2025 features a rigorous evaluation by a distinguished panel of industry experts within Sheraa’s extensive network. Nominations are assessed based on innovation, real impact, and commitment to growth where judges meticulously review each nominee’s contributions to ensure that only the most deserving candidates are recognized.

SEFFY Awards Alumni

The SEFFY Awards Alumni represent some of the best of what entrepreneurship can achieve and are among those who have left a lasting legacy of excellence and innovation. Notable past winners include Jay Sadiq, founder of Fortyguard and a tech disruptor whose innovations have set new standards in his field; Rama Kayyali, co-founder of Little Thinking Minds whose social impact initiatives have transformed communities; Abdulla Alhashimi, a celebrated mentor who has championed entrepreneurship; and Munir Basmaji, a rising star known for his pioneering ideas.