Does your startup or company build industrial AI, such as predictive maintenance, computer vision, robotics, digital twins or supply chain automation? The Sharjah Advanced Industrial AI Accelerator is looking for companies with working products to validate, commercialise and grow their technology from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Top companies share a US$100,000 cash prize pool.
The accelerator is open to companies from the UAE and around the world, including African startups and SMEs. Applications opened on 6 October 2026 and close on 24 May 2027.
At a Glance
| Organiser | SPARK (Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, SRTIP) |
| Who can apply | Startups, scale-ups, SMEs, specialised tech providers and corporate innovation teams, from the UAE or anywhere else |
| Stage | A working product, tested prototype or deployable technology. Idea-stage concepts aren’t eligible. |
| Prizes | US$50,000 (1st), US$30,000 (2nd), US$20,000 (3rd) |
| Application period | 6 October 2026 – 24 May 2027 |
Technology Areas
- Predictive maintenance and asset intelligence: better equipment performance and reliability
- Computer vision for quality and safety: AI inspection, quality control and workplace safety
- Industrial robotics and autonomous systems
- Digital twins, simulation and intelligent production
- Energy, water, waste and resource optimisation
- Warehouse, supply chain and industrial logistics
- Industrial cybersecurity and secure AI
- AI-supported design, engineering and workforce productivity
Benefits
- A chance to win a share of the US$100,000 prize pool: US$50,000, US$30,000 or US$20,000
- Engagement with industry partners in the UAE
- Technology validation and potential pilots
- Access to the SPARK AI Hub and, where relevant, SOILAB prototyping facilities
- Research and talent connections
- Market-entry and business development support
- Introductions to corporates, investors and the wider ecosystem
- Support if you want to set up at SPARK in Sharjah
Being selected doesn’t guarantee funding, pilots, contracts or investment. Any deal depends on due diligence and agreed terms.
Eligibility
- Open to UAE and international companies. You don’t need to be based at SPARK to apply.
- You have a working industrial AI product, tested prototype or deployable technology.
- You have evidence of customers, pilots, deployments or technical validation.
- You have a capable technical and commercial team.
- You can support deployment in the UAE and have credible growth potential in the region.
- You’re interested in exploring opportunities in Sharjah, and possibly a future presence at SPARK.
Selection Process
- Apply online with your company, technology and use-case information.
- Evaluation and shortlisting on technical and commercial merit.
- Selection of companies for the programme.
- Programme and validation with SPARK and industry partners.
- Final showcase, where prize winners are chosen.
How to Apply
- Prepare a short description of your company, your industrial AI technology and the problem it solves.
- Gather evidence of traction: customers, pilots, deployments, test results or certifications.
- Explain how your solution could be deployed in the UAE.
- Complete the online application form before 24 May 2027.
Official Sharjah Advanced Industrial AI Accelerator page · Application form
Tips for African Startups
- Lead with real deployments. Results from factories, mines, farms, ports or utilities in Africa show that your technology works in tough conditions.
- Quantify impact. For example: downtime cut by 30%, defects detected or energy saved.
- Show a UAE angle. Name the industries in Sharjah or the wider Gulf where your solution could be used.
- Apply early. The window is long, but evaluation may start before the deadline.
