Innovation Challenges

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Challenge Owner(s) Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
Organiser(s) Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
Industry Type(s)
Circular Economy & Sustainability, Digital/ICT, Electronics, Energy & Chemicals, Real Estate
, Sustainable Energy
Opportunities and Support Market exposure, strategic partnerships, and financial incentives.
Application Start Date 1 January 2023
Application End Date 14 August 2023
Website Click here to learn more

About Challenge

Ras Al Khaimah Municipality is organising an innovation competition aimed at start-ups and SMEs, that can contribute to shaping a clean energy future in line with the Ras Al Khaimah Efficiency & Renewables Strategy 2040. The competition seeks to attract leading companies from around the world to propose solutions that address specific energy challenges faced by Ras Al Khaimah and the broader MENA region. 

The competition focuses on three challenges: Energy Management, Industrial Efficiency, and Decentralised Energy Systems. 

Start-ups and SMEs have the opportunity to gain market exposure and strategic partnerships in the UAE's power and water sector. To be eligible, companies must have a product, service, or solution in the energy, water, or mobility sector, with existing project references, incorporation, a public website, and annual revenues of less than USD 20 million.

The winners will have the opportunity to avail full exemption on company set-up fees and visas for 3 years, provided by RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ), a monetary prize worth SGD 36,500 (AED 100,000), an opportunity for individual sales pitch meetings with leading government entities and businesses, and a chance to secure a commercial pilot project in Ras Al Khaimah upon agreement on scope and terms.

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Challenge Owner(s)Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
Industry Types(s)
Circular Economy & Sustainability, Digital/ICT, Infrastructure, Sustainable Energy, Urban Solutions

Industrial Efficiency

Solutions for the industrial sector that allow higher returns on investment than conventional solutions, such as waste heat recovery from low temperature sources (e.g. below 300℃), alternative fuels, digitisation or electrification.

What We Are Looking For


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;
  • Disruption: Innovative nature of the product or solution in the region;
  • Merit: Coherence of the technical solution with the business plan and existing project references; and
  • Team/Resources: Readiness of team members and resources to establish company operations in Ras Al Khaimah, and start developing the local market.

Learn More

Challenge Owner(s)Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
Industry Types(s)
Circular Economy & Sustainability, Digital/ICT, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Sustainable Energy
, Urban Solutions

Energy Management

Implementation of energy management systems and processes for organisations and/or households. This includes innovative equipment and methods for data gathering, analysis, operation and control of energy and water consuming assets. The challenge covers not only advanced solutions for large industrial and commercial buildings but also low-cost smart solutions for residences.


What We Are Looking For

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;
  • Disruption: Innovative nature of the product or solution in the region;
  • Merit: Coherence of the technical solution with the business plan and existing project references; and
  • Team/Resources: Readiness of team members and resources to establish company operations in Ras Al Khaimah, and start developing the local market.

Learn More

Challenge Owner(s)Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
Industry Types(s)
Circular Economy & Sustainability, Digital/ICT, Infrastructure, Sustainable Energy, Urban Solutions

Decentralised Energy Systems

New generation, distribution and/or storage solutions that reduce energy costs and/or increase service levels for the provision of electricity and water for buildings and/or mobility. Ideal customers of these solutions should be end-users as opposed to utilities.

What We Are Looking For

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;
  • Disruption: Innovative nature of the product or solution in the region;
  • Merit: Coherence of the technical solution with the business plan and existing project references; and
  • Team/Resources: Readiness of team members and resources to establish company operations in Ras Al Khaimah, and start developing the local market.

Learn More