Global event aims to accelerate startup growth by connecting innovators with investors and industry leaders.
- Global Gathering: Over 1,800 startups from more than 100 countries are participating in Expand North Star 2024 in Dubai.
- Investor Engagement: The event hosts over 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding $1 trillion, offering startups significant funding opportunities.
- Collaborative Focus: Key sessions highlight the importance of cross-border collaboration, especially among European nations, to foster innovation and compete globally.
- Educational Initiatives: Programs like Tech Transfer 3.0 and GITEX YouthX Unipreneur aim to bridge the gap between research and industry while engaging the next generation.
- Concurrent and Future Events: Running alongside GITEX GLOBAL 2024, the event amplifies opportunities for networking and gaining industry insights.
Dubai has become a melting pot of innovation as over 1,800 startups from more than 100 countries gather at Expand North Star 2024, one of the world’s largest startup and investment events. Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the event kicked off on October 13 at Dubai Harbour and will run until October 16.
A Global Hub for Innovation
This ninth edition of Expand North Star has attracted a diverse group of entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts, all aiming to forge connections that could shape the future of various industries. With over 1,200 investors in attendance—managing assets totaling more than $1 trillion—the event provides a unique platform for startups to showcase their ideas and secure essential funding.
Bridging Continents and Cultures
The event marks the largest European participation to date, featuring over 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and more than 450 startups from 35 European countries. It also welcomes new exhibitors from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighting Dubai’s role as a global nexus for innovation.
Collaborative Success in Europe
In a session titled “Connected for Success: The Power of Cross-border Collaboration in Europe,” Dr. Sebastian Schäfer, CEO of House of Finance & Tech Berlin, emphasized the importance of unity among European nations to unlock untapped digital potential.
“As countries, we don’t collaborate enough. We need genuine joint ventures and shared value propositions to achieve tangible success,” said Dr. Schäfer. “By harnessing talent and fostering innovation together, we can create future unicorn factories and compete with tech giants from China and the US.”
Note: A “unicorn” is a privately held startup company valued at over $1 billion.
Tackling Climate Change Through Innovation
Another highlight was the session “Climate Tech Unicorns: Valuation, Volatility, and Venture Capital,” featuring Sean O’Sullivan, founder of U.S. venture capital firm SOSV, known for being an active investor in climate tech startups.
“Climate change is an urgent crisis that requires immediate action,” O’Sullivan stated. “There are opportunities for thousands of startups to develop solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also become profitable over time. With perseverance, companies can achieve remarkable valuations.”
Venture capital refers to financing provided by investors to startups and small businesses with strong growth potential.
New Initiatives Fueling Growth
Expand North Star 2024 introduced the NS Scaleups program, designed to connect late-stage startups with strategic partners and investors. The event brings together 59 leading unicorns with a combined valuation of $400 billion, fostering an environment ripe for collaboration and growth.
From Labs to the Real World: Tech Transfer 3.0
The inaugural Tech Transfer 3.0 event bridges the gap between research and industry by bringing together leading research labs, scientists, engineers, and academics. Institutions like IE University, University College London (UCL), Johns Hopkins University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are participating to showcase how innovative concepts can be transformed into real-world applications.
Spotlight on Emerging Talent
Recognizing the importance of nurturing future innovators, the event features GITEX YouthX Unipreneur, focusing on engaging the UAE‘s youth with Dubai’s economic agenda. Activities include YouthX Talks and an Educators Innovation Pitch, providing young minds with opportunities to contribute to the startup ecosystem.
Global Competitions and Future Events
The Supernova Challenge 2.0 is set to feature nearly 200 startups from Europe, Asia, and Africa, all competing for a cash prize pool of $200,000. This competition builds momentum for upcoming GITEX events scheduled to take place in Berlin, Singapore, Nigeria, and Morocco in 2025.
Concurrent and Future Events Amplify Opportunities
Expand North Star runs alongside GITEX GLOBAL 2024, hosted at the DWTC from October 14 to 18. Recognized as one of the world’s largest tech and startup events, GITEX GLOBAL offers additional networking opportunities and industry insights. Over the next few days, attendees can explore themes such as the future of finance, advancements in blockchain technology, creative industries, and sustainability. Events like GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania provide specialized platforms for deeper engagement in these areas.
A Glimpse into the Future
Throughout its duration, Expand North Star focuses on themes that are shaping the future of technology and innovation, providing attendees with insights and opportunities to connect with leaders in various sectors.
For More Information
Those interested in learning more about Expand North Star 2024 can visit www.expandnorthstar.com.
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