Sharjah Innovation Park rolls out accelerator for creative industries

Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) has launched a new accelerator programme aimed at supporting designers, artists and creative studios as they develop, prototype and scale product-led ventures.

Announced on 8 January, the Base 39 Creative Accelerator is hosted at Base 39, SPARK’s recently launched creative hub. The facility has been designed as a collaborative platform that brings together design, experimentation, fabrication and business development, enabling creatives to move from early-stage ideas to market-ready products within a single ecosystem.

The accelerator will open with a public call for applications, from which 20 designers or studios will be selected to join the first cohort. Participants will follow a structured programme combining mentorship, workshops and hands-on development, concluding with a Final Showcase Day where projects will be presented to a jury of industry experts and potential commercial partners.

The first cohort will focus on furniture and collectible design, supporting creatives in developing commercially viable products while maintaining strong design identity and craftsmanship. Participants will receive tailored mentorship from designers, industry specialists and creative leaders, alongside practical support in product development, prototyping and production readiness.

Additional elements of the programme include guidance on pricing, branding, positioning and storytelling, as well as access to prototyping and fabrication facilities. Participants will also gain exposure to buyers, collectors and potential partners within SPARK’s wider innovation network. The top three graduates of the accelerator will receive cash prizes, while all participants will benefit from in-kind prototyping support, creative incentives and formal recognition.

New platform for creative innovation

The Base 39 Creative Accelerator builds on SPARK’s experience in delivering sector-focused programmes, including the Sharjah Advanced Industries Accelerator, which supports innovation in advanced manufacturing and deep technology.

Khalid Hassan Albanna, Director of Base 39, said the initiative represents an important step in integrating creativity with entrepreneurship and manufacturing in Sharjah. “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,” he said.

Albanna added that Base 39 has been designed as a comprehensive platform that brings together talent, technologies and partnerships, supporting the emirate’s ambition to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.

The launch aligns with Sharjah’s long-standing role as a regional centre for culture, education and innovation.

Through SPARK and Base 39, the emirate is expanding its innovation ecosystem to include creative industries alongside research, advanced technology and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a destination for design-led, product-based ventures.