**Sharjah**: NoorNation’s solar-powered desalination and Faunatech’s mobile livestock diagnostics secured top prizes at the 2024 Access Sharjah Challenge, highlighting fresh technology-driven solutions addressing water scarcity and animal health to boost sustainable agriculture across the MENA region.
NoorNation and Faunatech Triumph at the 2024 Access Sharjah Challenge
The sixth edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC), an initiative designed to prop up innovation in agritech and livestock health, has culminated in a remarkable showcase of talent and innovation. Organised by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), this year’s challenge responded to pressing themes within the agricultural sector, inviting growth-stage startups from around the globe to present pioneering solutions.
According to an announcement by Sheraa, the ASC attracted an impressive 2,207 applications from 24 countries, including notable submissions from the United States, Canada, Egypt, and several European nations. This overwhelming response underlines the global interest and urgency in addressing the critical challenges faced by the agriculture industry, particularly in the face of climate change and resource scarcity. The challenge ultimately led to the selection of 11 finalists, with two standout winners receiving the lion’s share of a prize pool amounting to AED 500,000.
H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasised the challenge’s role in reshaping agricultural possibilities: “The Access Sharjah Challenge serves to address current challenges but also reimagines possibilities for the future.” Her statement highlighted the initiative’s commitment not only to immediate solutions but also to fostering a long-term innovation ecosystem that aligns with Sharjah’s goals for sustainability and food security.
Integral partnerships underpin the challenge’s success, with key contributions from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock (DAL). H.E. Salem Abdullah Al Kaabi, Director of DAL, remarked on the benefits of collaboration in advancing agricultural solutions and stressed the importance of modern technologies in enhancing resource management and livestock productivity. This collaborative spirit aims to support the UAE’s vision for a more resilient economy and sustainable agricultural practices.
The agritech track saw NoorNation crowned as the winner with their transformative solution, the LifeBox. This solar-powered, self-contained water desalination system provides a sustainable and cost-effective method for irrigation—essential for farmers coping with water scarcity. Equipped with advanced monitoring technology, LifeBox allows for real-time water management, a critical feature in optimising agricultural productivity. NoelNation’s commitment to deploying this innovation across the MENA region aims to alleviate reliance on traditional, more polluting energy sources while enhancing food security. Ragy Ramadan, Founder and CEO of NoorNation, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “The journey wasn’t always easy, but the growth was exponential… we’re now more excited than ever to see the real-world impact LifeBox can create.”
Conversely, Faunatech emerged as the winner of the Livestock Health track with a mobile diagnostics platform specifically aimed at early detection of livestock diseases, such as mastitis. This disease affects a significant portion of milking cows and buffaloes globally, representing a crucial challenge in dairy farming. The Fauna SCC Test allows for immediate on-farm diagnosis, enhancing milk quality and reducing antibiotic residues—a vital step in promoting animal welfare and sustainable farming practices. Co-founder and CEO Rajat Pandya noted the programme as the perfect launchpad for their innovative solutions, aiming to establish a strong hub in Sharjah for future expansions across the Middle East and beyond.
The Access Sharjah Challenge serves as an annual beacon for innovation, facilitating a competitive yet collaborative atmosphere where startups can refine their solutions into impactful, scalable projects. With a continuous commitment to growth and improvement, Sheraa has provided over AED 3 million in funding since its inception, supporting a range of sectors from healthtech and foodtech to sustainability.
As the finalists work to realise their innovations, the broader implications for both the local and global agricultural landscape remain profound. The success of NoorNation and Faunatech not only showcases the potential of technology to drive meaningful change but also reflects a concerted effort to advance food security in line with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K), [[2]](https://sheraa.ae/sheraa-launches-access-sharjah-challenge-allocating-aed-500000-for-agritech-and-livestock-health-innovations/)
- Paragraph 2 – [[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K), [[4]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2024/11/20/11-startups-compete-for-AED-500000-in-Sheraas-ASC-Pitch-Day)
- Paragraph 3 – [[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K), [[5]](https://gulfnews.com/uae/sharjah-throws-dh500000-up-for-grabs-to-startups-with-best-agritech-livestock-ideas-1.103647860)
- Paragraph 4 – [[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K), [[6]](https://www.onearabia.me/local/sheraa-access-sharjah-challenge-agritech-livestock-innovation-011-57009.html)
- Paragraph 5 – [[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K), [[3]](https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/starting-a-business/sheraas-access-sharjah-challenge-to-reward-agritech-and/478007)
- Paragraph 6 – [[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K), [[3]](https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/starting-a-business/sheraas-access-sharjah-challenge-to-reward-agritech-and/478007)
- Paragraph 7 – [[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K), [[6]](https://www.onearabia.me/local/sheraa-access-sharjah-challenge-agritech-livestock-innovation-011-57009.html)
- Paragraph 8 – [[1]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K), [[4]](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2024/11/20/11-startups-compete-for-AED-500000-in-Sheraas-ASC-Pitch-Day)
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/05/08/NoorNation-Faunatech-win-Sheraas-2024-Challenge-share-AED-500K – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://sheraa.ae/sheraa-launches-access-sharjah-challenge-allocating-aed-500000-for-agritech-and-livestock-health-innovations/ – Sheraa has announced the sixth edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC), focusing on AgriTech and Livestock Health innovations. The challenge offers a prize of AED 500,000, with applications open until September 5, 2024. Collaborators include the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The initiative aims to support startups with practical solutions in sustainable agriculture and livestock health. Shortlisted applicants will receive mentorship and training to refine their concepts into viable projects. ([sheraa.ae](https://sheraa.ae/sheraa-launches-access-sharjah-challenge-allocating-aed-500000-for-agritech-and-livestock-health-innovations/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/starting-a-business/sheraas-access-sharjah-challenge-to-reward-agritech-and/478007 – The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) has opened applications for the sixth edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC), targeting AgriTech and Livestock Health startups. The competition offers a cash prize of AED 500,000, divided equally between the two tracks. Applicants must submit practical, implementable solutions by September 5, 2024. The initiative is supported by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate. ([entrepreneur.com](https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-ae/starting-a-business/sheraas-access-sharjah-challenge-to-reward-agritech-and/478007?utm_source=openai))
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2024/11/20/11-startups-compete-for-AED-500000-in-Sheraas-ASC-Pitch-Day – The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) concluded its Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC) 2024 with a Pitch Day event at Sheraa HQ, focusing on Agritech and Livestock Health. The challenge received 2,207 applications from over 24 countries. Eleven startups were shortlisted to present their Proof of Concept solutions. Two outstanding startups were selected to receive contracts worth AED 250,000 each, along with continued guidance and support from Sheraa and their ecosystem partners. ([sharjah24.ae](https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2024/11/20/11-startups-compete-for-AED-500000-in-Sheraas-ASC-Pitch-Day?utm_source=openai))
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/sharjah-throws-dh500000-up-for-grabs-to-startups-with-best-agritech-livestock-ideas-1.103647860 – Sharjah is offering AED 500,000 to startups with innovative ideas in AgriTech and Livestock Health through the sixth edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC). The competition is organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) and supported by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Applicants must submit practical, implementable solutions by September 5, 2024. The prize will be split evenly among the winners of the two tracks. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/sharjah-throws-dh500000-up-for-grabs-to-startups-with-best-agritech-livestock-ideas-1.103647860?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.onearabia.me/local/sheraa-access-sharjah-challenge-agritech-livestock-innovation-011-57009.html – Sheraa has announced the sixth edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC), focusing on AgriTech and Livestock Health innovations. The AED 500,000 challenge invites startups worldwide with viable prototypes to apply for world-class mentoring and global expansion opportunities. Applicants must submit their entries on Sheraa’s website by September 5, 2024. The initiative is supported by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. ([onearabia.me](https://www.onearabia.me/local/sheraa-access-sharjah-challenge-agritech-livestock-innovation-011-57009.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.1arabia.com/2024/08/sharjah-new-challenge-to-boost-agritech.html – Sharjah is inviting startups worldwide to participate in the sixth edition of the Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC), organized by the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa). This year’s competition focuses on advancing agricultural technology and improving livestock health, with a total prize of AED 500,000. The competition is divided into two tracks: AgriTech and Livestock Health. Participants must submit practical and implementable solutions, demonstrating a ready-to-use model. Shortlisted startups will receive intensive training to refine their concepts into viable projects. The challenge aligns with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. ([1arabia.com](https://www.1arabia.com/2024/08/sharjah-new-challenge-to-boost-agritech.html?utm_source=openai))
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:
9
Notes:
The narrative refers explicitly to the 2024 Access Sharjah Challenge concluding recently with current role titles and up-to-date entities such as Sheraa, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and DAL in 2025. The event and winners are described as recently announced, with no indication of recycled or outdated information. The presence of 2025-dated sources and details confirms contemporary relevance, hence the high score.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Several direct quotes from key figures such as H.E. Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, H.E. Salem Abdullah Al Kaabi, Ragy Ramadan (NoorNation), and Rajat Pandya (Faunatech) are included. These quotes appear to originate from official announcements around the event and do not match any earlier known publications indicating possible original first-use statements. This supports the credibility of the quotes and justifies a high score.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates primarily from Sharjah24, a UAE regional news platform, and Sheraa, the official Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center. These are credible and relevant sources for regional events and innovation challenges but are not internationally renowned news agencies. The supporting details and alignment with government entities enhance trust, though some caution is warranted due to the local/regional nature of the sources.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about winners, the prize amount, and the innovative solutions (solar-powered desalination LifeBox and mobile livestock diagnostics) fit well within current global agritech trends and UAE’s strategic goals on food security and sustainability. The entities mentioned are active in these sectors, and the detailed descriptions align with typical startup innovation challenges, indicating high plausibility.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current, well-supported by credible regional sources directly involved in the event. The quotes appear original and timely, and the claims fit established contexts and trends in agritech innovation. There is no evidence of recycled or outdated information, resulting in high confidence in the accuracy and freshness of the information.
