Key Highlights

1. Eight UAE female founders will receive premium exhibition pods at Expand North Star 2025 (October 12-15, Dubai Harbour)
2. Winners get automatic entry to the $214,000 Supernova Challenge, the world’s largest startup pitch competition
3. Additional $20,000 available through specialized sustainability and fintech competitions at the event
4. Applicants must be founders of UAE-headquartered startups operating less than 5 years with SBWC membership

The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide eight UAE-based female founders with an international showcase at Expand North Star 2025, positioning them for global recognition and investment opportunities.

Event Details and Scale

The prestigious global startup and investor event will take place from October 12 to 15 at Dubai Harbour. 

Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy in partnership with GITEX Global, this marks the event’s 10th edition and stands as the largest gathering of its kind in the world, connecting founders with global investors, venture capitalists, and technology leaders.

What Selected Startups Receive

Under the SBWC initiative, each sponsored startup will benefit from:

• Premium exhibition pod at the event
• Visibility to thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries
• Automatic entry into the prestigious ‘Supernova Challenge’

Prize Opportunities

The Supernova Challenge, billed as the world’s largest startup pitch competition, offers substantial rewards:

• Total prize pool: $214,000 in equity-free grants
• Top prize: $100,000

Additionally, selected founders will be eligible for two specialized competitions:

• Sustainability Leaders Pitch Competition (powered by North Star Impact): $10,000 grant for startups driving positive environmental and social change
• Fintech & Blockchain Disruptor Award (supported by Fintech Surge & Future Blockchain Summit): $10,000 grant for the most innovative financial technology solution

Leadership Vision

Maryam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, emphasized the initiative’s strategic importance: “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 also position them to become the next generation of leaders shaping innovation for the entire region.”

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Be the founder or co-founder of a licensed startup
• Operate for less than five years
• Be headquartered in the UAE
• Hold membership with the Sharjah Business Women Council (can be applied for during registration)

Application Process

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee based on:

• Innovation
• Market potential
• Business model strength
• Traction
• Team capability

Interested entrepreneurs can apply through SBWC’s application portal: https://shorturl.at/E9KV7

Strategic Impact for the UAE

Operating under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, SBWC has consistently championed women in business through networking opportunities, training, mentorship, and advocacy.

This initiative aligns with SBWC’s vision of establishing Sharjah as a center of excellence for female-led innovation and enterprise while contributing to the UAE’s wider strategy of positioning itself as a hub for global entrepreneurship.

Implications for UAE’s Business Ecosystem

For businesses and entrepreneurs in the UAE, this initiative represents more than just an opportunity for female founders—it signals the country’s commitment to inclusive innovation and global competitiveness. 

The substantial prize pool and international exposure offered through this program demonstrate the UAE’s serious investment in nurturing its entrepreneurial talent across all demographics.

The timing of this initiative, coinciding with the UAE’s continued push to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global business hub, underscores the strategic importance of supporting female-led innovation in achieving these broader economic objectives.