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Media Innovation Challenge

Where Ideas Find Their Way

Bright Ideas is a media innovation challenge organized by Sharjah Media City (Shams), bringing together media, creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship to transform ideas and talents into meaningful solutions and new opportunities.

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Challenge date: 20–22 Nov 2026 Format: In-person, Sharjah
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Overview

Turning Ideas into Real Opportunities

Bright ideas provide participants with a space to develop their ideas and transform them into practical, implementable projects through an experience that combines creativity, hands-on application, and learning from experienced professionals, culminating in the presentation of their projects to a judging panel. The challenge is open to individuals aged 18 and above, university students, entrepreneurs, business owners, and creatives.

  • Encourage creative and innovative ideas and solutions that address real challenges and opportunities across the media and creative industries.
  • Strengthen the role of media in creating positive impact and driving meaningful change within the community.
  • Discover and develop creative talent and connect participants with professional, production, and investment opportunities.
  • Encourage the use of technology, artificial intelligence, and digital solutions to create new media experiences, solutions, and products.
  • Transform ideas into practical, scalable projects and solutions with the potential for further development and sustainable growth.
  • Strengthen the role of Sharjah Media City (Shams) as a hub for creativity, talent, innovation, and technology across the media and creative industries.

Why this
challenge exists?

Who Can Apply

A space for anyone with an
idea worth bringing to life.

  • Content creators & media professionals
  • Creatives & storytellers
  • Developers & technology enthusiasts
  • Designers
  • AI & data specialists
  • University students & recent graduates
  • Creative talents
  • Entrepreneurs & aspiring founders
How To Apply

From application to
Demo Day.

STEP ONE

Apply Online

step0

Register as an individual or as part of a team and submit your idea or project under one of the challenge tracks.

STEP TWO

Initial Selection

step1

A dedicated committee will review all applications and select the strongest ideas and projects to move forward to the next stage.

STEP THREE

Attend the Orientation Session

step2

Join an online orientation session to learn more about the challenge, participation process, and what to expect in the next stages.

STEP FOUR

Take Part in the Challenge

step3

If you are shortlisted, you will take part in the three-day, in-person challenge, where you will develop your idea, benefit from the guidance and expertise of industry professionals, and work towards turning it into an implementable project.

STEP FIVE

Pitch to the Judging Panel

step4

Present your project during the final pitches and compete for the challenge prizes.

STEP SIX

Take Your Project Further

step5

Winners will have the opportunity to continue developing their projects and benefit from the support and advantages offered by Sharjah Media City (Shams).

Media That Makes an Impact

Create an innovative media campaign that addresses a relevant social issue and uses creative content and media to generate positive and measurable change in audience awareness or behaviour.

Challenge Question:

How can we design an integrated media campaign that transforms a positive message into meaningful engagement and measurable change in society?

Required Outputs:

  • Define the campaign topic, key message, target audience, and intended impact.
  • Develop videos, images, designs, and written content that reflect the campaign concept.
  • Develop a publishing and engagement plan across the most relevant platforms.
  • Present a framework for measuring impact that goes beyond views and likes to assess the intended change in audience awareness or behavior.
01

Talent Builds a Business

Design an integrated program that identifies diverse creative talent, develop their skills, and connect them with opportunities in employment, production, and investment. The program should provide a clear pathway that enables talent to progress towards professional success and generate sustainable income.

Challenge Question:

How can we build an integrated program that attracts diverse talent, develops their capabilities, and connects them with sustainable professional and investment opportunities?

Required Outputs:

  • Develop a mechanism for attracting, assessing, and selecting talent.
  • Design a development journey that includes training, mentorship, hands-on experience, and the production of professional work.
  • Develop a model for connecting talent with clients, production companies, partners, and investors.
  • Present an operational plan outlining the program stages, required resources, partnerships, and estimated budget.
  • Develop a financial sustainability model and clear indicators to measure participants’ progression into paid opportunities or scalable ventures.
02

Experience Sharjah & Shams in a New Digital Way

Create an innovative digital experience that enables audiences to discover Shams and Sharjah in a modern and interactive way through smart applications, digital games, or other creative technologies. The challenge is aimed at programmers, app and game developers, and designers to develop an innovative experience that combines value and entertainment while reflecting the local identity.

Challenge Question:

How can we use smart applications or digital games to present Shams and Sharjah through a modern, interactive experience that encourages audiences to explore and engage?

Required Outputs:

  • Define the concept of the application or game, its target audience, and the value it provides.
  • Develop a testable prototype that demonstrates the core functionality or gameplay.
  • Explain how the identity and key elements of Shams and Sharjah are integrated into the experience.
  • Present a brief plan for development, launch, user acquisition, and sustainability.
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Frequently Asked

Good to know
before you apply.

For extra help or inquiries you can reach out to us through email at ideas@shams.ae

No. You can apply on your own and be matched with a team, or apply together with people you already want to build with.

Yes. The challenge welcomes individuals and teams at any stage - whether you're starting from scratch or bringing something you've already built.

No. Some participants come with a fully-formed concept or existing product, others come ready to build something new around one of the four challenge themes.

Not at all. Journalists, content creators, designers and subject-matter experts are just as central to a strong team as developers and AI specialists.

Yes - participants must be 18 or older. There is no upper age limit.

Yes - the challenge is a full, in-person experience, and attending all days is part of the eligibility for prizes.

The challenge will take place in person at Sharjah Media City (Shams) headquarters in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Sharjah Media City (Shams)