6:36 pm - September 2, 2025
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and Startup Middle East have announced the India Startup Hub in Sharjah, a strategic platform to foster connections, investment, and collaboration between Indian and UAE startups, boosting regional innovation and economic ties.
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center, known as Sheraa, along with Startup Middle East, has rolled out a major new initiative aimed at strengthening the connections between the UAE and India’s rapidly emerging startup scenes. On August 25, 2025, they signed a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish what will be called the India Startup Hub (ISH) right in Sharjah. This platform is designed to serve as a dedicated link, connecting Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s fast-developing innovation ecosystem. The signing event took place at Sheraa’s headquarters and was attended by key officials—including Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa; Siby Sudhakaran, CEO of Startup Middle East; and Anoop Ambika, CEO of Kerala Startup Mission—as well as numerous representatives from Indian startups.
So, basically, the India Startup Hub in Sharjah will act as a strategic gateway, making it easier for Indian startups to access markets, secure investments, find mentorship, and collaborate with others as they look to grow in the Middle East. It’s also designed to help UAE-based ventures tap into India’s huge landscape of innovation, creating a cross-border ecosystem where growth and technology exchange can thrive. This platform will essentially serve as a bridge—linking Sharjah’s entrepreneurial infrastructure, which includes five free zones, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, and the India Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Sharjah—fostering innovation-led expansion for startups on both sides of the border.
As Siby Sudhakaran mentioned, the CEO of Startup Middle East, this is “a landmark move inspired by the long-term vision of Expo 2020 Dubai,” highlighting India’s vibrant startup scene while opening doors to global opportunities. He gave credit to Sheraa’s leadership for turning this idea into a reality, describing the India Startup Hub as “a powerful connector that links Indian innovators with Sharjah’s dynamic entrepreneurial environment.”
This partnership is a continuation of Sheraa’s ongoing mission to connect various global innovation ecosystems. The MoU reinforces programs like Sheraa Deal Dock, which helps startups access funding; Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), offering incubation and product development support; and the Access Sharjah Challenge, designed for market exposure and navigating regulations. Collectively, these initiatives provide start-ups with comprehensive support—from funding and mentorship to helping refine products for the market.
Sheraa’s track record in fostering entrepreneurs is pretty impressive. Since launching in 2016 under government auspices and operating within the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park, Sheraa has empowered over 20,945 young entrepreneurs, supported more than 450 founders, and incubated over 180 ventures. Its startups have achieved $372 million in revenue and attracted about $297 million in investments, resulting in about 2,700 jobs. Additionally, Sheraa runs sector-specific Centers of Excellence in areas like culture, advanced manufacturing, clean tech, sustainability, and edtech—giving startups access to corporate partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and funding routes.
The India Startup Hub isn’t just leveraging Sharjah’s local advantages, but is also tapping into the Indian diaspora’s expertise. For example, Anoop Ambika from Kerala Startup Mission pointed out that with over a million Malayalees living in the UAE—about 40% of whom work in sectors like oil and gas, shipping, logistics, and tourism—the hub has a real opportunity to tap into this talent pool for better collaboration and innovation.
Moreover, the collaboration is set to build a stronger connection with major Indian startup events like Huddle Global, Startup Mahakumbh, the Scaleup in the Emirates Business Summit, and India Startups Confluence 2025, creating multiple avenues for interaction, exposure, and partnerships. It’s all very much in sync with the rising trade ties and economic partnership between the UAE and India, especially given recent frameworks like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Startup Middle East, which was founded in 2022 and is based in Dubai, complements Sheraa’s efforts by providing support for market entry, soft-landing programs, facilitating investments, and hosting regular networking events. It’s a key platform for startups hoping to expand across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) markets.
Sheraa’s leadership sees this MoU as a crucial move in defining Sharjah’s place as a global hub for innovation. Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi emphasized that “collaboration is at the core of Sheraa’s mission,” and that this new partnership “brings Indian founders closer to Sharjah’s entrepreneurial community,” opening fresh opportunities for startups in one of the most dynamic markets in the world. She also noted that this initiative lays “the groundwork for a lively ecosystem of innovation between the UAE and India that will unlock growth, impact, and shared prosperity.”
A significant area of focus for the hub involves supporting startups working in fintech, health tech, and sustainability—choices that mirror the strategic priorities of both markets. This aligns with Sharjah’s broader goal of attracting and supporting ventures that drive sustainable economic and technological development.
All in all, the India Startup Hub in Sharjah represents a forward-thinking model of bilateral startup cooperation, designed to accelerate innovation-driven growth, promote cross-border expansion, and deepen economic and cultural exchanges between two of Asia’s most rapidly growing entrepreneurial regions. By combining resources, networks, and ecosystems, this partnership sets the stage for a new chapter in UAE-India startup relations—giving regionally significant innovation partnerships a well-deserved boost.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/to-boost-uaeindia-ties-sheraa-and-startup-middle-east-sign-mou-to-launch-india-startup-hub-in-sharjah/articleshow/123511768.cms – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/to-boost-uaeindia-ties-sheraa-and-startup-middle-east-sign-mou-to-launch-india-startup-hub-in-sharjah/articleshow/123511768.cms – The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and Startup Middle East have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India Startup Hub in Sharjah. This initiative aims to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem, facilitating market expansion and growth. The MoU was signed on August 25, 2025, by Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, and Siby Sudhakaran, CEO of Startup Middle East, with the presence of Anoop Ambika, CEO of Kerala Startup Mission. The hub will serve as a bridge, linking Indian startups with Sharjah’s entrepreneurial infrastructure, including its five free zones, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, and IBPC Sharjah. This collaboration is expected to drive innovation and foster cross-border collaboration between the UAE and India’s startup ecosystems.
- https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/sheraa-and-startup-middle-east-sign-mou-to-strengthen-uae-india-startup-collaboration-is1rszyx – The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and Startup Middle East have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cross-border collaboration between the UAE and India’s startup ecosystems. The MoU, signed on August 25, 2025, outlines a strategic roadmap to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem, unlocking new avenues for growth and expansion. The partnership includes the establishment of the Sharjah Centre of India Startup Hub (ISH), a dedicated platform designed to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem. Sheraa is expanding its collaborations with government entities and programs in India to further strengthen its flagship initiatives such as Sheraa Deal Dock, Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), and the Access Sharjah Challenge. These partnerships reinforce Sheraa’s position as a key driver of entrepreneurship, creating broader opportunities for its startups to access new markets and establish a stronger global presence.
- https://www.arabherald.com/news/278531633/sheraa-startup-middle-east-sign-mou-to-strengthen-uae-india-startup-collaboration – The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Startup Middle East to strengthen cross-border collaboration between the UAE and India’s startup ecosystems. The MoU, signed on August 25, 2025, outlines a strategic roadmap to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem, unlocking new avenues for growth and expansion. At the heart of the partnership is the establishment of the Sharjah Centre of India Startup Hub (ISH), a dedicated platform designed to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem. Sheraa is expanding its collaborations with government entities and programs in India to further strengthen its flagship initiatives such as Sheraa Deal Dock, Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), and the Access Sharjah Challenge. These partnerships reinforce Sheraa’s position as a key driver of entrepreneurship, creating broader opportunities for its startups to access new markets and establish a stronger global presence.
- https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/news-and-trends/sharjah-launches-india-startup-hub-to-boost-cross-border/496385 – The Emirate of Sharjah has unveiled the ‘India Startup Hub,’ a new initiative designed to foster innovation and strengthen business links between the UAE and India. The project is spearheaded by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) in partnership with Startup Middle East. It will provide Indian entrepreneurs with access to mentorship, investment networks, and incubation opportunities within Sharjah’s growing innovation ecosystem. Officials highlighted that the hub seeks to position Sharjah as a key destination for Indian startups looking to scale globally, while also creating opportunities for Emirati investors to tap into India’s rapidly expanding tech sector. The move comes at a time when bilateral trade between the two nations is flourishing, supported by a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in recent years. The India Startup Hub will also serve as a platform for cultural and economic exchange, with programming set to include joint events, accelerator programs, and venture funding support. Early interest has been reported from fintech, health tech, and sustainability-focused companies.
- https://uaenews247.com/2025/08/25/sheraa-and-startup-middle-east-sign-mou-to-strengthen-uae-india-startup-collaboration/ – The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Startup Middle East to strengthen cross-border collaboration between the UAE and India’s startup ecosystems. The MoU, signed on August 25, 2025, outlines a strategic roadmap to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem, unlocking new avenues for growth and expansion. At the heart of the partnership is the establishment of the Sharjah Centre of India Startup Hub (ISH), a dedicated platform designed to connect Indian entrepreneurs with Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem. Sheraa is expanding its collaborations with government entities and programs in India to further strengthen its flagship initiatives such as Sheraa Deal Dock, Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), and the Access Sharjah Challenge. These partnerships reinforce Sheraa’s position as a key driver of entrepreneurship, creating broader opportunities for its startups to access new markets and establish a stronger global presence.
- https://www.seaandjob.com/uae-india-deepen-startup-ties-sheraa-startup-middle-east-launch-india-startup-hub-in-sharjah/ – The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and Startup Middle East have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India Startup Hub in Sharjah, creating a dedicated gateway for Indian entrepreneurs into the UAE’s growing innovation economy. The agreement, signed on August 25, 2025, by Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, and Siby Sudhakaran, CEO of Startup Middle East, was witnessed by Anoop Ambika, CEO of Kerala Startup Mission, alongside Indian startup representatives. The hub will link Indian startups to Sharjah’s resources—including its five free zones, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce, and IBPC Sharjah—while supporting UAE startups entering India. Positioned as a “catalyst for market expansion and innovation-led growth,” the hub will also integrate with Sheraa’s flagship programs such as Sheraa Deal Dock, Sharjah Startup Studio (S3), and the Access Sharjah Challenge. The collaboration will further extend to India’s major startup events including Huddle Global, Startup Mahakumbh, Scaleup in the Emirates Summit, and the India Startups Confluence 2025.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with the earliest known publication date being August 25, 2025. The Times of India article was updated on August 26, 2025, indicating timely reporting. No evidence of recycled content or republishing across low-quality sites was found. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified. The content has not appeared more than 7 days earlier. The article includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score. ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/sharjah-launches-india-startup-hub-following-mou-between-sheraa-and-startup-middle-east-to-boost-uaeindia-ties/articleshow/123511768.cms?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, Siby Sudhakaran, and Anoop Ambika are unique to this narrative. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were found.
Source reliability
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Times of India, a reputable organisation known for its journalistic standards. The press release is from Sheraa and Startup Middle East, both established entities in the UAE and India, respectively. All individuals and organisations mentioned are verifiable online, with no indications of fabrication.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The claims about the India Startup Hub in Sharjah are corroborated by multiple reputable sources, including Zawya and Entrepreneur Middle East. The narrative provides specific details, such as the MoU signing date, the names of the CEOs involved, and the strategic goals of the hub, all of which are consistent across sources. The language and tone are appropriate for the region and topic, with no inconsistencies or suspicious elements. The structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail. The tone is formal and consistent with corporate communications.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and sourced from reputable organisations. All claims are plausible and supported by multiple sources, with no indications of disinformation. The quotes are unique, and the content is consistent with the region and topic.
