Women-led UAE based startup Solumar, crowned winner of Sharjah industry accelerator

Solumar, a women-led UAE based startup, has been declared winner of the 4th Edition of the Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator (SAIA), by the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), for developing cost-efficient technologies to combat emissions and air pollutants.

Solumar beat nine other startups from across the globe in the finals — including those from Brazil, India, Italy, France, China, and UAE – at the final Demo Day held at the SRTIP.

The solution was recognized for making it possible to capture and utilize the collected black carbon and CO2, resell, or reuse other valuable materials by putting them back into production, helping Industrial business owners, maritime, and O&G companies comply with net-zero Agenda 2050 in a cost-efficient way. The solution turns the collected Black Carbon and CO2 into reusable carbon powder, sold at $3000 per ton, generating recurring revenue for those who implement the solution.

The solution by Solumar was recognized for making it possible to capture and utilize the collected black carbon and CO2, resell, or reuse other valuable materials by putting them back into production.

This year, the SAIA program underscored its commitment to sustainability by identifying four focus areas: Energy Tech; Sustainable Mobility; Advanced Technologies & Digitalization; and Clean Tech, Green Tech & Agritech.

The popular SAIA program has seen remarkable growth in three years. It registered a phenomenal 154.55 percent increase in applications — from 1,650 in 2022 to 4,200 — in 2023, according to a press release by SRTIP.

Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, commented: “The surge in applications demonstrates the burgeoning interest in our SAIA program, reinforcing its stature as a preferred platform for global startups. Aligned with the UAE Advanced Industry Strategy, SAIA has played a pivotal role in accelerating the nation’s transformation into a global hub for future industries.

“SAIA’s primary objectives revolve around introducing cutting-edge technology that not only fosters the growth of economies but also nurtures sustainable business practices. In this context, the winning innovation Solumar is a classic example of making innovative use of technologies to combat climate change. I congratulate the winning team, the other finalists and all the applicants and wish them the best in their innovation journey.”

Rennie Popcheva, CEO, Solumar, says: “The Solumar team is on a mission to help industrial business owners, maritime and oil and gas companies reach net-zero strategic objectives by deploying the most cost-efficient technology for the direct capture, utilization, and storage of multiple pollutants combined (particles, Black Carbon, volatile organic compounds (VOC), and gases) — reaching 92 percent to 99 percent capturing efficiency with by six to ten times lower CAPEX and OPEX, saving millions of operational costs every year. Thanks to our successful participation in Sharjah Advanced Industry Accelerator (SAIA) we are one step closer to achieving this mission.”