Source : WAM
Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has unveiled the Base 39 Creative Accelerator, a new programme aimed at nurturing emerging creative talents and helping them develop, prototype, and scale product-focused ventures across design-driven industries.
The accelerator will be hosted at Base 39, SPARK’s recently launched creative hub, which serves as a collaborative ecosystem for designers, architects, artists, and creative entrepreneurs. Base 39 integrates design, experimentation, fabrication, and business development, providing creatives with the support needed to transform concepts into market-ready products.
Top three graduates of the Creative Accelerator will be awarded cash prizes, while all participants will receive in-kind prototyping support, creative incentives, official recognition, and visibility within SPARK’s innovation ecosystem.
The Base 39 Creative Accelerator builds on SPARK’s experience with sector-focused initiatives, such as the Sharjah Advanced Industries Accelerator, which promotes innovation in advanced manufacturing and deep technology.
Khalid Hassan Albanna, Director of BASE39, said, “The launch of the Base 39 Accelerator represents a new strategic milestone in SPARK’s vision to expand Sharjah’s innovation ecosystem by integrating creativity and design with entrepreneurship and manufacturing. We firmly believe that creative industries are a vital pillar of the knowledge economy, and through this accelerator we aim to empower creatives to transform their ideas into scalable, investment-ready products, while connecting them to markets and investors within a fully integrated environment that supports innovation from concept to final product.”
He added, “Base 39 is not merely a creative space; it is a comprehensive platform that brings together talent, technologies, expertise, and partnerships. This integrated model strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading regional destination for creativity and innovation, and aligns with the Emirate’s broader vision to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.”
The first cohort of the accelerator will focus on Furniture and Collectible Design, guiding creatives to develop commercially viable products while maintaining strong design identity and craftsmanship.
Participants will benefit from curated mentorship with designers, industry experts, and creative leaders; hands-on support in product development, prototyping, and production readiness; guidance on pricing, branding, positioning, and storytelling; access to prototyping and fabrication facilities; and exposure to buyers, collectors, and potential commercial partners.
The programme will begin with an Open Call, selecting 20 designers or studios to join a structured accelerator journey combining mentorship, workshops, and practical development. It will culminate in a Final Showcase Day, where participants present their projects to a jury of industry experts and potential partners.
The launch of the Base 39 Creative Accelerator reinforces Sharjah’s role as a center for culture, design, education, and innovation. By attracting creative talent, investors, and design-driven enterprises, SPARK aims to position Sharjah as a regional hub for creative innovation and product-based design ventures.
