Dubai, Expand North Star by GITEX GLOBAL launched its landmark tenth anniversary edition on Sunday at Dubai Harbour, welcoming over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from 180 countries in what has become the world’s largest startup and investor connector event. Running through October 15, the gathering, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, aims to catalyse partnerships across emerging AI economies.
Since 2016, Expand North Star has provided a platform where more than 8,000 founders have scaled their businesses. This year’s edition showcases solutions spanning artificial intelligence, climate technology, deep tech, digital health, and fintech, with investors managing $1.1 trillion in assets. The event aligns with the UAE’s initiative targeting 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and at least ten unicorns by 2031. The showcase included over forty unicorns, notably PsiQuantum, valued at $68 billion and Talabat at $8.5 billion. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, emphasised the UAE’s long-term vision, noting the country began investing in AI in 2008.
India’s participation at Expand North Star 2025 reached unprecedented levels with 211 startups representing the country’s diverse innovation ecosystem. The India Pavilion showcases startups across AI, data centres, cybersecurity, and semiconductors. Leading delegations include the Mobile and Electronic Devices Export Promotion Council with 45 startups, Kerala Startup Mission with 35, and 20 each from Telecom Equipment Export Promotion Council and Startup Karnataka, alongside contributions from Startup India, IIT Madras, Tamilnadu Technology Hub, and 45 direct participants.
Over the past decade, nearly 800 Indian exhibitors have participated across AI, SaaS, healthtech, and edtech sectors, making India the most consistently represented community. Dubai’s appeal for Indian innovators stems from its proximity, being just three to four hours from major Indian cities, combined with specialist free zones and accessible investors. Expand North Star is the startup showcase part of the world’s largest technology and AI event, GITEX GLOBAL. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre, and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Expand North Star 2025 runs from 12-15 October
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