Nestlé NextGen Founders 2026

About

A 10-week UAE venture-building program helps people aged 18–30 validate early ideas or prototypes and build AI-integrated businesses through training, mentorship, industry access and a chance to share AED 150,000 in prize grants.

Benefits

• 💻Hands-on training
  Selected participants receive interactive workshops using the latest AI tools.
• 🤝1-on-1 mentorship
  The top 15 teams receive 1-on-1 mentorship.
• 🏆Prize grants
  Three winning teams share AED 150,000 in prize grants.
• 🚀Sheraa membership
  Winning teams receive access to Sheraa membership.
• ⚖️ Business licensing and legal support
  Support with business licensing and legal formalities is listed as a program benefit.
• 🎓Nestlé internships
  Up to five selected participants may be offered internships with Nestlé, subject to Nestlé recruitment requirements and timelines.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to young people aged 18–30 based in the UAE.
• University students from any Emirate, recent graduates based in the UAE, and early-stage entrepreneurs with a startup idea or early prototype are eligible.
• Individuals and teams may apply, although teams are prioritized.
• AI-integrated startup ideas or early prototypes are prioritized; ideas that do not yet use AI are welcome.

Participation Commitments

• Apply through the Sheraa program page by 11 November 2026.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; apply early.
• Participation is free and does not require founders to give up equity.
• The program begins in November 2026 and runs approximately 10 weeks.
• Validation Phase: four in-person Sprint Days on 14, 15, 21 and 22 November 2026.
• Top 15 Selection: 23 November 2026.
• Acceleration Phase: 26 November 2026 to 8 January 2027, including Studio Day 1 on 26 November 2026, four online mentorship sessions in December, and Studio Day 2 on 8 January 2027.
• Demo Day: 15 January 2027, tentative and subject to confirmation.
• Sprint Days and Studio Days are delivered in person as 4-hour workshops; the four December mentorship sessions are online.

Target Sector

Sector agnostic, 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

Target Location

United Arab Emirates (UAE-based applicants aged 18–30; university students may be from any Emirate, and recent graduates and early-stage entrepreneurs must be based in the UAE).