Dubai has opened “Expand North Star,” at Dubai Harbour today, marking the show’s most extensive edition to date, attracting over 1,800 start-ups from 100 countries. These companies have converged on this vibrant stage with a common mission: to connect, secure investments, and exchange valuable experiences within the global start-up ecosystem.
Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the Expand North Star event is scheduled to run until October 18th, 2023, and it’s taking place in the Middle East’s most significant superyacht hub. This location also boasts the presence of more than 1,000 investors who collectively manage over $1 trillion in assets, injecting a tremendous surge of energy into the start-up investment scene. It’s a clear indication of Dubai’s rapid ascension as a global tech and innovation hub.
What makes this event even more remarkable is its role as the anchor event for GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest technology exhibition. GITEX GLOBAL is set to open its doors tomorrow, October 16th, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). Both events are meticulously organised by DWTC and offer a combined exhibition space of 2.7 million square feet, representing a substantial 40 percent increase compared to the previous year. This remarkable growth underscores the world’s keen interest in exploring the latest technological trends, from artificial intelligence and the cloud to Web 3.0 and the development of a sustainable digital economy.
The 2023 edition of Expand North Star features a rich lineup of themed programs. It kicks off with AI Monday, a dedicated showcase for fast-scaling AI start-ups. Moreover, the event boasts India Central, an unprecedented gathering of over 200 Indian startups, effectively bringing a slice of India’s bustling entrepreneurial spirit to Dubai. Asia Fast 100 and Africa Fast 100 are the event’s flagship showcases, each uniting 100 leading start-ups from their respective continents. These showcases promise nearly a week of conferences, networking opportunities, and dedicated pitch competitions.
Not stopping there, this gathering of next-generation companies also features three specialised sub-events. Fintech Surge, the Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania are set to explore and push the boundaries of these specific sectors. They promise to provide a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities to those invested in the future of finance, blockchain technology, and innovative marketing.
Expand North Star will culminate with the highly anticipated Supernova Challenge, a prestigious pitch competition that offers a substantial prize fund of $200,000. This further enhances the allure of this unmissable event, promising a unique convergence of entrepreneurial energy, innovation, and opportunity.
