NextGen Founders

About

Sheraa and Nestlé UAE's 10-week NextGen Founders program supports UAE-based university students, recent graduates, and aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18–30 in validating and accelerating startup ideas, with selected winning teams sharing AED 150,000 in grants.

Benefits

• 🏆Prize grants
  Three winning teams will share AED 150,000 in prize grants
• 🚀Acceleration phase
  The top 15 teams progress to an acceleration phase with guidance on business models, go-to-market strategies, financial readiness and pitching
• 🤝Sheraa membership
  Winning teams receive access to Sheraa membership, including mentorship, ecosystem access, and assistance with business licensing and legal requirements
• 🎓Training and mentorship
  Participants receive practical entrepreneurship training, mentorship and industry engagement
• 💼Nestlé internships
  Up to five selected participants may be offered internships with Nestlé, subject to its recruitment requirements and timelines

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to university students, recent graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18–30 across the UAE
• Individuals and teams are eligible to apply
• Priority is given to team applications
• Priority is given to AI-integrated startup ideas or early prototypes
• Particular interest in sustainability, manufacturing, food and beverage, supply chain and logistics, packaging, and health and nutrition

Participation Commitments

• Apply through https:
• sheraa.ae/nestle-nextgen by 11 November 2026
• Program begins in November 2026 and runs for 10 weeks
• Around 50–60 selected teams begin with a validation phase comprising four interactive, in-person workshops
• The top 15 teams progress to an acceleration phase combining in-person workshops with individual online mentorship, culminating in a Demo Day
• Participation is free and does not require founders to give up equity

Target Region

United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the program designed for participants aged 18–30 across the UAE

Target Sector

Agriculture & Food, Defense & Security, Education, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Sector, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Real Estate & Construction, Retail & Consumer, Semiconductors & Electronics, Sports & Fitness, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Other