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 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

Target Location

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