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RAK Energy Innovation Competition – SME Edition

Put your start-up in the spotlight; find new partners and demonstration opportunities.

Applications close on 31 January 2026

Apply now to showcase your innovation!

Click here to view the promo video

Introduction & Objectives

The Ras Al Khaimah Integrated Sustainability (RIS) Strategy 2050 as part of Ras Al Khaimah’s Vision 2030 sets a comprehensive framework for transforming the emirate’s energy and environment sectors in support to UAE’s net zero commitments. Building on the Energy Efficiency & Renewables Strategy 2040 (EE&R Strategy), RIS Strategy expands and deepens its scope to address decarbonisation, energy security, environmental protection, and industrial competitiveness. 

As part of the capacity building efforts of this strategy, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality is organising an innovation competition for start-ups and SMEs whose solutions will support in shaping our clean energy future! The competition provides a platform to showcase innovative solutions and connect with key government and industry players in the UAE.

The objective of the competition is to attract leading start-ups and SMEs to propose their solutions addressing specific energy challenges in Ras Al Khaimah applicable to the broader MENA region.

Challenges

  • Digitisation: This challenge seeks to address the digitisation gap in energy efficiency in the region. This can be addressed through the use of AI, software and/or hardware to visualise or control resources or processes associated with energy, water and fuel, resulting in behaviour change and resource efficiency. Applicability can span across various sectors such as residential, industrial, commercial, government or transport. Suitable solutions may include but are not limited to; data visualisation tools, IoT, real-time monitoring, artificial intelligence, smart monitors, smart control and mobile applications.
  • Decentralisation: This challenge seeks to address the limited uptake in deployment of distributed renewable technology and storage in the region with an aim to minimise reliance on centralised fossil fuel systems and addressing the challenges of intermittency often associated with renewable energy. Applicability can span across various sectors such as residential, industrial or commercial. Suitable solutions may include but are not limited to; solar PV, hydrogen, solar thermal, colocation (generation and storage), and standalone storage.
  • Decarbonisation: This challenge seeks to address decarbonisation of hard to abate industries, with a focus on the prevalent industrial sectors in RAK. Applicability is specific to the industrial sector with a focus on cement, ceramics, glass, and mining especially from an energy efficiency and reuse standpoint. Suitable solutions can include but are not limited to; measures ranging from resource efficiency, waste heat recovery, to carbon capture.

Prizes

Eligibility Criteria

  • Your start-up or SME is eligible for the competition if it fulfils all of the following cr​iteria:
  • The company has a product, service, or solution in the energy, water or mobility sector, that addresses one of the challenges, mentioned above, faced by Ras Al Khaimah,
  • The company has existing project references for its product, service or solution,
  • The company is incorporated and has a public website, and
  • The company has annual revenues of less than USD 20 million.

Evaluation Criteria

  • The following criteria will be considered in evaluating participating start-ups and SMEs:
  • Relevance: Relevance of the submission to the challenge statements, potential contribution to Ras Al Khaimah's sustainability and energy efficiency objectives and potential marketability in the region;
  • Merit: Coherence of the technical solution with the business plan and existing project references; and​
  • Disruption: Innovative nature of the product or solution in the region;
  • Team/Resources: Readiness of team members and resources to establish company operations in Ras Al Khaimah, and start developing the local market.

Senior Executive Board

Winners of the 1st SME Edition

Winner for Energy Management Challenge (i2COOL TRADING)
Winner for Industrial Efficiency Challenge
(BLUE SNOW GREEN TECHNOLOGIES)
Winner for Decentralised Energy Systems Challenge (SOLARISKIT GLOBAL)
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SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

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