Expand North Star 2025 by GITEX GLOBAL officially opened its 10th anniversary edition at Dubai Harbour, marking a decade of innovation, investment, and international collaboration.
Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, this year’s event, running from 12 to 15 October, is the largest edition yet, featuring 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors representing 180 countries.
The four-day gathering brings together entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, government leaders, and corporate executives to explore the latest breakthroughs in AI, climate technology, digital health, fintech, and deep tech — cementing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The UAE’s Rise as a Global Startup Powerhouse
Since its inception in 2016, Expand North Star has grown into one of the most influential platforms for startup collaboration and funding. To date, more than 8,000 founders have leveraged the event to scale globally.
The 2025 edition builds on that legacy by connecting high-growth startups with investors managing over US$1.1 trillion in assets.
The show also aligns with the UAE’s ambitious initiative, “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World”, which seeks to generate 30,000 new jobs by 2030 and nurture at least 10 unicorns by 2031.
In his keynote address, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, highlighted the UAE’s long-term vision for AI and technology development.
He said the country’s early investment in AI, dating back to 2008, reflects its determination to remain at the forefront of global innovation:
“We started investing in AI when few believed we could be a key player. Against all odds, we are proving that we can.”
Presight AI-Startup Accelerator Unveils First Cohort
Among the highlights of opening day was the showcase of startups from the Presight AI-Startup Accelerator, the UAE’s first AI-focused acceleration programme created by a publicly listed Middle Eastern tech company.
The programme, launched by Presight, a G42 company, has supported early-stage ventures in developing market-ready prototypes by leveraging Presight’s expertise in data analytics, enterprise networks, and mentorship.
Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, said the accelerator serves as a global platform that combines technology, collaboration, and commercial opportunity:
“The UAE and Abu Dhabi have become the AI capital — where innovation meets real business.”
Presight also signed a partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to a secure and resilient digital future.
Dr Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, underscored the importance of cybersecurity in empowering startups and protecting national infrastructure:
“Safety and security will always remain key pillars in ensuring that emerging technologies are used responsibly.”
Brazil Showcases Innovation as Country Partner
Brazil made history as the first-ever Country Partner at Expand North Star, highlighting the event’s growing global influence.
Through its trade and investment promotion agency ApexBrasil, Brazil presented 55 startups and innovation hubs across two national pavilions, showcasing cutting-edge solutions in AI, fintech, and deep tech.
The participation underscores the country’s ambitions to strengthen global partnerships and position itself as a rising innovation powerhouse.
Record-Breaking Showcase of Global Unicorns
The 2025 edition of Expand North Star features its largest-ever lineup of unicorn companies, with more than 40 billion-dollar innovators participating.
Among them are:
- PsiQuantum (USA) – building the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computer, valued at US$68 billion.
- talabat (Kuwait) – the MENA region’s leading on-demand food delivery platform, valued at US$8.5 billion.
- Andalusia Labs (UAE) – a digital asset risk infrastructure company that achieved unicorn status in just 11 months.
- Carousell (Singapore) – one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing e-commerce platforms.
These companies join leading global investors including JP Morgan, Daiwa Capital Management, Eurazeo, Octopus Energy Generation, and Samsung Ventures, all seeking the next generation of transformative ventures.
A Global Stage for the Future of Innovation
With participation from 180 countries, Expand North Star 2025 is not only the largest startup and investor event in the world, but also a reflection of Dubai’s role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.
The event continues through 15 October 2025, before GITEX GLOBAL opens at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 13–17 October 2025 — together forming the world’s most influential technology and innovation ecosystem.
For more information, visit expandnorthstar.com.
