The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under Dubai Chambers, is all set to host ‘Expand North Star,’ the world’s largest gathering for startups. This four-day mega-event, taking place from October 15th to 18th at Dubai Harbour, follows the remarkable success of last year’s ‘North Star Dubai,’ which resulted in the launch of around 150 startups in the UAE through deals signed during the exhibition.
This year’s edition introduces ‘Launchpad Dubai,’ a novel platform designed to accelerate the growth and expansion of global tech companies in Dubai, including startups, fast-growing businesses, and unicorn companies. The initiative streamlines access to essential services such as visa applications, banking, judicial support, housing, talent acquisition, and more through a single, convenient platform.
At ‘Expand North Star,’ the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s stand will serve as the primary hub for accessing ‘Launchpad Dubai’ services, featuring individual booths for partner organizations. Local and international digital companies can initiate the process of obtaining partner services at this stand. Qualified participants can also commence their application process for a Golden Visa, offering exclusive long-term residence benefits.
The extensive program of ‘Expand North Star 2023’ includes ‘AI Monday,’ showcasing over 250 rapidly-growing AI startups, ‘India Central,’ the largest gathering of Indian startups outside of India, and ‘Asia Fast 100’ and ‘Africa Fast 100,’ bringing together 100 leading startups from both continents for conferences, networking, and dedicated pitch competitions.
The event also hosts the ‘Investor Forum,’ which unites more than 250 representatives from local and international family offices, mutual funds, and investors. Additionally, it will see the launch of ‘Emaratipreneur Inc.,’ a community-driven networking and development platform dedicated to Emirati entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors.
For talented young innovators and startups, the event offers a first-of-its-kind exhibition area with fully built, branded, and sponsored exhibition pods. The ‘Emaratipreneur Majlis’ will facilitate panel discussions and group conversations aimed at nurturing the next generation of startup superstars, unicorns, and globally recognized entrepreneurs from the UAE’s youth ecosystem.
The event’s highlight is the ‘Supernova Challenge,’ a pitch competition with a prize fund of $200,000, making ‘Expand North Star 2023’ an unmissable event.
With investors from 70 countries gathering to close deals, co-finance, and raise funding, ‘Expand North Star’ becomes the ideal platform for digital startups to attract the funding they need to expand and scale. Over 1,800 startups from more than 100 countries will participate, connecting global startups with innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, and founders of successful global companies.
More than 1,000 investors, collectively managing over US$1 trillion, are converging on Dubai, cementing its position as a burgeoning hub of the world’s digital economy.
The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy remains committed to providing ambitious startups with the tools they need to thrive in Dubai. ‘Expand North Star’ aligns with the chamber’s mission to fortify Dubai’s standing as a leading global hub for the digital industry by fostering collaboration between venture capitalists and startups, expanding the presence of startups, and drawing the global tech community to the emirate.
The mega-event aims to advance Dubai’s transformation into one of the world’s foremost digital economies, with the ambitious goal of turning 30 startups into unicorns by 2033, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
(Courtesy GULFTODAY)
