The roadshow seeks to build on the success of the Canadian startups that participated in last year’s edition of the event, 67% of which have already established their businesses in Dubai. These companies are now aiming to leverage the emirate as a launchpad for local and regional expansion and building the necessary partnerships to grow their operations.

As part of the roadshow, the chamber organised a series of events across three Canadian cities, including Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver, which brought together more than 350 founders, investors, accelerators, and policymakers. The discussions showcased Dubai’s position as a global hub for the growth and expansion of digital business, as well as the benefits and opportunities available to participants in Expand North Star. The annual event is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.

The campaign provided a dynamic platform for networking and knowledge exchange, showcasing initiatives to help Canadian companies enter Dubai’s dynamic market and explore opportunities within its thriving digital economy. The chamber also highlighted its services to support the successful expansion of Canadian entrepreneurs across various advanced technology sectors in Dubai.

As part of the roadshow, pitch competitions were held across the three cities, attracting the participation of 31 innovative startups. Bidblocks, Dia Labs Canada, and Recyclorobo.ai, three companies specialising in artificial intelligence and healthcare technologies, emerged as the winners, with each securing fully funded participation in Expand North Star 2025. This opportunity offers a unique gateway to access new markets, as well as the chance to compete in the semi-final stage of the Supernova Challenge, which will take place during the event.

The 2024 edition of Expand North Star achieved record-breaking participation and strong visitor and exhibitor engagement, together with an exceptional level of innovation on display and wide international presence. The event attracted over 1,800 startups and more than 1,200 investors from 100 countries managing assets exceeding US$ 1 trillion. In addition, 65 unicorn companies with a combined market value of more than US$ 400 billion took part in the exhibition.

Canada is the second stop in the broader global campaign to highlight the significance and influence of Expand North Star 2025. The event serves as a key global gathering for startups, innovators, investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders seeking to capitalise on unique growth opportunities in Dubai and shape the future of the digital economy. Expand North Star plays a pivotal role in attracting the global tech community to Dubai, serving as a powerful platform for innovation, collaboration, and fostering connections with some of the world’s most promising startups, investors, and tech pioneers.

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These two skilled individuals, who began as local embroidery artists in the humble suburbs of Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province, have transformed into tech-enabled entrepreneurs through the training and support provided by Ba-Ikhtiar program. The PTCL group selected them for the event to help them gain invaluable exposure and explore new business opportunities at one of the most important business and tech platforms in the world.

Marrium and Farhat showcased their eye-catching embroidery products at the Pakistan Enclosure, where they also engaged with international visitors, shared their inspiring success story and received recognition for their incredible journeys. Their participation in Expand North Star reflects PTCL Group’s continued support for the program’s graduates, which is essential for the sustainability of their enterprises.

Speaking about their experience, Marrium Hussain said, “I am deeply grateful to PTCL Group for providing us with this opportunity. The experience of being a part of such an important global platform has been life-changing and we look forward to newer avenues of growth for our enterprises. We met different people, gained exposure, and received appreciation for our work, encouraging us to dream bigger.”

Ba-Ikhtiar is a women empowerment initiative launched by PTCL Group in collaboration with the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF). It aims to equip small-scale female entrepreneurs with essential digital tools and skills to grow their enterprises. Participants receive smartphones with pre-loaded SIM cards from PTCL Group. They also receive hands-on training in digital skills, including using UPaisa mobile wallets and managing seller accounts on the e-commerce platform Daraz. The 15-day workshop enhances their artisan skills and imparts digital marketing techniques to help them expand their market to the global online space.

The program also includes financial management training from U Microfinance Bank, empowering participants to manage their business finances efficiently. PTCL & Ufone 4G provided them with handsets and mobile connectivity to cover their data and voice needs.

So far two batches of women entrepreneurs have graduated from the Ba-Ikhtiar Program, who now use their smartphones and free data to sell products through Daraz, receive payments via UPaisa, and dispatch orders through courier services. Their success stories inspire other women to pursue digital entrepreneurship to transform their socio-economic condition.

Sharing his thoughts, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone 4G said, “Ba-Ikhtiar program mirrors our commitment to fostering digital inclusion and leveraging our digital resources to empower underserved social segments. The initiative enables women to become financially independent and facilitates their participation in Pakistan’s growing digital economy. It lays a strong foundation for a sustainable future by ensuring that women play an active role in improving the country’s socio-economic progress. I am immensely proud of these young entrepreneurs, who has shown resilience and commitment to be the future business leaders.”

The PTCL Group exhibit was a key feature of the Pakistan enclosure at Expand North Star. It received immense footfall, with Marrium and Farhat’s story of their evolution from local artisans to digital entrepreneurs on the back of digital and financial technology inspiring profuse commendation.

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In a thrilling display of innovation, Latvian Health Tech startup Longenesis wowed the judges at the recent competition, clinching the top prize of $100,000. This groundbreaking digital health company is revolutionizing 21st-century healthcare by accelerating the development of innovative treatments and enhancing patient engagement.

With partnerships spanning leading healthcare institutions, global life sciences companies, and national governments, Longenesis has positively impacted over 850,000 patients across the EU and MENA regions.

Filled with excitement from his win, Emil Syundyukov, Co-Founder and CEO of Longenesis, shared his vision for how this significant achievement will accelerate the company’s growth, saying: “It is all about unlocking the hidden value of data. By engaging broader populations and bringing them into the data conversation, we can help therapies reach those in need faster. This win is just the start for us. We’re here to raise geographical borders for healthcare research and scale up, especially in the Gulf region, which we see as a focal point for healthcare innovations.”

ProfilePrint from Singapore secured 2nd place, winning $60,000 for its groundbreaking AI-driven ingredient quality platform. Utilizing patented digital food identity-as-a-service (IDaaS) technology, ProfilePrint synthesizes complex molecular data into digital fingerprints, empowering agribusinesses to make data-driven decisions that enhance product quality and efficiency.

Meanwhile, NEXTPAYMENTS INC. from South Korea claimed the 3rd place prize of $35,000, led by CEO Jee Kwangchol, whose cutting-edge solutions offer personalized retail experiences through advanced AI kiosks and smart store technology.

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The Presight AI-Startup Accelerator will focus on companies from the MENA region, South-East Asia, and Central Asia and is intended to support companies that have developed a prototype, are ready to test the market, and scale their sales efforts.

Following a selection process, chosen businesses will join the 3-month acceleration program, which provides world class infrastructure support, including high-performance computing, access to cloud services, industry-leading data security and exposure to foundational LLMs, GPTs and algorithms.

The Presight AI-Startup Accelerator also offers invaluable AI industry access and mentorship, with hub-type support and engagement with other startups across the wider G42 ecosystem. It will help with go-to-market planning, scaling, founder training and integration with Presight’s own product pipeline, generating outstanding cross-selling, networking and promotional opportunities.

‘Graduates’ will leave the accelerator program as mature startups with operational products, having found their market fit, proven their customer value and with a working business model.

Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, said: “The success of the global technology economy depends on building an ecosystem of thriving companies leveraging AI, big data, and analytics to open up new business models. The Presight AI-Startup Accelerator program will identify the most promising businesses from different international markets and offer them much-needed expertise, mentoring, customer engagement, and technical knowledge to turbocharge their growth. It will build a strong community of founders connected to Presight and G42. I’m looking forward to seeing it progress.”

Dr Adel Al Sharji, COO of Presight, said: “As a company deeply rooted in digital transformation through AI, our mission is to drive and enable that change—whether we are leading the transformation ourselves or supporting others in their journey. This program was established with that vision in mind: to empower organizations and individuals by accelerating their progress and positioning them for success in the digital age.”

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The SBWC booth is proving to be a hub for networking, allowing attendees — including investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs — to engage directly with the eight selected startups. This initiative, while enhancing visibility for these women-led ventures is also facilitating meaningful connections that can lead to partnerships and funding opportunities.

Among the eight startups featured are Al Rawi for Creative Content, which focuses on using emerging technologies for event management and AI research; Heuristic World, an EdTech company transforming the teaching of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence through a game-based learning platform; Itifaq, a legal tech startup automating legal research with AI; and Jawdaman, a mobile app that analyses food and cosmetic product compositions.

In the health tech sector, KosAI leverages AI to support chronic disease patients in managing their health appointments effectively; Luga AI stands out with its multimodal multilingual Arabic AI agent that enhances accessibility across various industries; The Soulhouette merges AI and traditional medicine to create wearable technology aimed at improving health outcomes for at-risk patients; and finally, Tapy addresses pressing global challenges with its Aman Watch — a device designed for individuals of determination that enables remote caregiving.

Mariam Bin Al Shaikh, Director of SBWC, expressed her pride in the organisation’s participation at Expand North Star 2024, stating, “We stand at the forefront of an exciting chapter where women are representing themselves as leaders in technology and innovation. Through our dedicated booth and as the proud official sponsor of the ‘Women in Tech’ track, we were able to showcase the incredible talent and creativity of our members, and I am immensely proud of the eight startups representing us this year.”

Helping women in tech overcome funding challenges
A key highlight of SBWC’s participation this year is organising the Women in Tech Forum which featured an information-packed panel discussion titled “Access to Capital: Overcoming Funding Challenges for Women in Tech.” This panel hosted an impressive lineup of experts, including SBWC Advisory Council member Dr. Muna Al Dhabbah, founder of the “Hala Jari” app; Alena Yudina, founder of the EmTech metaverse; Alina Polyakova, founder of the Femtech startup Mamahood app; Ceylan Uren, co-founder of The Waste Lab; and Maria Ivanova, co-founder and CMO of Gingo Partners.

The discussion provided the audience with experienced and insightful perspectives on topics such as initial journeys and access to funding, building and leveraging networks, effective fundraising strategies, and alternative sources of funding and innovation, proving to be an invaluable resource during the global event.

Supporting innovative ideas and female-led startups
SBWC’s partnership with the event’s ‘Supernova Challenge 2.0’ further amplifies its commitment to supporting innovative ideas and startups. Notably, two startups from SBWC have qualified for the competition, with winners set to be announced on the final day of Expand North Star. Recognised as the largest startup pitch competition in the MENA region, the Supernova Challenge celebrates groundbreaking innovations that prioritise sustainability and social impact, serving as a launchpad for numerous aspiring businesses in past editions.

The challenge features an impressive total prize pool of $200,000, including a dedicated prize of $10,000 for the ‘Women in Tech’ category, proudly sponsored by SBWC. This track aims to elevate female entrepreneurs while also reinforcing SBWC’s ongoing commitment to empowering women in non-traditional sectors like technology and AI.

SBWC continues to pave the way for women entrepreneurs in technology and innovation, and by providing invaluable resources and opportunities for exposure at such significant events, it is able to empower individual startups while contributing to a more inclusive future within the global business community.

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The program offers six months’ worth of complimentary cloud solutions, access to a vast customer network, PR and marketing support, and rapid implementations.

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The event will take place during GISEC GLOBAL 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 6-8 May 2025, introducing unparalleled opportunities for networking, collaboration, and investment. As cybersecurity threats escalate globally, GISEC North Star is designed to foster an ecosystem of innovation and resilience by connecting global minds in cybersecurity technology, venture capital, and enterprise solutions.

Revolutionising Cybersecurity Innovation & Investment
As an anchor of GISEC Global, GISEC North Star will serve as a premier platform where disruptive startups can showcase their innovations, connect with leading global investors, and engage with key industry leaders across various sectors. The event will feature cutting-edge showcases, live demos, and panel discussions with top minds in cybersecurity technology and business.

“We are thrilled to expand GISEC’s role in the global cybersecurity ecosystem through our partnership with Expand North Star. GISEC North Star is committed to bringing together the brightest minds in cybersecurity, empowering startups with unparalleled access to the resources, networks, and investments they need to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape,” said Nawaz Ali, Commercial Director at GISEC Global.

Connecting the Global Cybersecurity Community
GISEC North Star’s expansive setup is designed to attract the best cybersecurity talent from across the globe, uniting startups, investors, and visitors to collaboratively tackle the sector’s most pressing challenges. With participants from over 160 countries, the event will foster diverse and impactful exchanges that shape the future of global cybersecurity.

A One-Stop Hub for Cybersecurity Startups and Investors
Designed to promote collaboration and growth, GISEC North Star is set to showcase breakthrough innovations that address critical challenges in cybersecurity, ranging from AI-driven threat detection to secure data management solutions. Investors will have an unprecedented opportunity to connect with and support promising startups driving advancements that safeguard the future.

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“Our participation in GITEX 2024 is a pivotal opportunity to showcase Azerbaijan’s digital transformation journey,” said Inara Valiyeva, Chairperson at IDDA. “We are here to demonstrate the technological advancements, foster strategic partnerships and explore innovative solutions. We are also proud to present Azerbaijan Innovation Center AIM, a technology and business platform, which will serve as a launchpad for start-up success and a catalyst for global collaboration.

IDDA’s participation will focus on several key areas: E-Government solutions reflecting its committed move towards a paperless world, the introduction of business expansion opportunities in Azerbaijan, and advancements in cybersecurity. By introducing initiatives such as mygov and Digital Login, the agency envisions a fully digitised public sector that enhances both service delivery and citizen engagement.

Additionally, IDDA will spotlight Azerbaijan as an ideal destination for business, offering critical infrastructure and resources to drive innovation, growth, and international partnerships. In leading efforts to ensure that the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure is robust and able to protect both public and private sectors from the growing threat of cyber-attacks, the agency gives organisations the confidence to leverage the nation as a springboard into new markets and business opportunities.

As part of its commitment to fostering Azerbaijan’s tech ecosystem, IDDA is actively supporting IT companies from the country. “By facilitating their participation at GITEX 2024, IDDA is providing a platform for local companies to engage with global stakeholders, potential investors, and international markets. This involvement is a critical step toward establishing Azerbaijan as a regional hub for innovation, where global collaborations drive long-term growth,” said Valiyeva.

At GITEX Expand North Star (ENS), startups like Perkskit will highlight a FinTech-enabled HR solution to enhance employee engagement through personalised benefits, while Epoint and Payriff will showcase scalable payment solutions for businesses. Glorri’s AI-powered HR platform aims to improve hiring efficiency, and dmp will demonstrate how AI enhances digital procurement across the Caspian and Middle East. Three IT companies—Destec Group, United Payment, and Pixite will also exhibit their innovative solutions in ERP, FinTech, and AI-driven design respectively.

At GITEX Global, Smart Solutions Group will present its high-load applications for public and private sectors, SetClapp will display business automation tools, and iTicket Global will feature innovative event ticketing solutions. BestComp Group, a regional leader in system integration and data centre solutions, will re-affirm Azerbaijan’s strong tech presence, demonstrating the nation’s adaptability and innovation across various industries.

In addition to showcasing Azerbaijan’s dynamic tech ecosystem, Dominique Piotet, Expert in Technopark Development at IDDA, will participate in the high-profile panel discussion titled ‘Emerging Economies: Catalysts for Innovation’ on the Spotlight Stage on Wednesday, 16th October from 15:40 to 16:00.

“We are excited about our participation in GITEX 2024 and the opportunity to highlight Azerbaijan’s thriving tech ecosystem,” said Piotet. “We invite government entities and private organisations to visit us at the Azerbaijan Pavilion to explore collaboration opportunities and learn how expanding into Azerbaijan can help their businesses grow within our dynamic, innovation-driven environment.”

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1. Learn the Secrets of Successful Unicorns
   Discover how today’s billion-dollar startups made it to the top. Get firsthand insights from unicorn founders and learn what it really takes to join the elite club of global success stories.
2. Master the Art of Scaling Your Startup
   Ready to grow fast? Gain expert knowledge on how to scale your startup, expand globally, and take your business to new heights in record time. Learn strategies that have powered some of the world’s most successful ventures.
3. Compete to Win $200,000 in Funding
   Participate in the Supernova Challenge and battle for a slice of the $200,000 funding ! With life-changing cash rewards, this could be the opportunity that fuels your startup’s next big leap.
4. Turn Your Digital Business Idea into Reality
   Got an idea? Expand North Star gives you the tools, mentorship, and network to turn that idea into a thriving digital business. Walk away with a clear roadmap to bring your vision to life.
5. Rub Shoulders with Global Tech Leaders
   Don’t miss your chance to connect with the world’s brightest minds in tech and innovation. Build relationships with industry giants, visionary entrepreneurs, and the leaders shaping the digital future. Learn from 450+ speakers the recipes of business success.
6. Explore Investment Opportunities in Game-Changing Startups
   Discover some of the most innovative startups from across the globe from a pool of 1,800+ startups. Whether you’re an investor or entrepreneur, find the next unicorn by exploring groundbreaking companies looking to disrupt industries.
7. Secure Funding from 1,200+ Investors
   With over 1,200 investors from 100 countries looking for the next big thing, this is your chance to pitch and secure the funding your startup needs. From seed to Series A, there’s an investor here ready to back your vision.
8. Experience Exclusive AI Solutions
   Immerse yourself in cutting-edge tech demonstrations that will redefine the future. See first-hand the revolutionary AI products and services from 400+ AI startups that are set to shape tomorrow’s world.
9. Fast-Track Your Success with Corporate Accelerators
   Connect with corporate accelerators ready to provide mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance. Network with 200+ accelerators and ecosystem partners. These partnerships can fast-track your growth and open doors to game-changing collaborations.
10. Discover Dubai’s Thriving Digital Ecosystem
    Dubai is quickly becoming the world’s digital epicenter. Learn how the emirate’s supportive ecosystem, cutting-edge infrastructure, and innovative policies make it the perfect hub for launching and scaling your digital business.
11. Collaborate and Build Strategic Partnerships
    Step into the Corporate Arena, a unique platform designed to bring innovators, corporations, and startups together. Form strategic partnerships that can drive the success of both new and existing projects through high-impact collaborations.
12. Experience Content Like Never Before
    Enter the world of Sónar+D, where creativity meets technology. Discover how AI, Web 3, and immersive media are revolutionizing the future of storytelling and marketing. At the Future of Media stage, visionary creators and brands will take you on a journey where content isn’t just consumed—it’s experienced.

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This partnership’s collective aim is to spur growth and innovation by providing essential market insights, helping startups navigate trends and regulatory landscapes, and identifying investment opportunities.

“This collaboration aligns seamlessly with our mission to enhance trade and investment opportunities between the UAE and India. Recognizing the crucial role of startups in driving innovation, we are committed to partnering with the Expand North Star team to create valuable platforms for meaningful connections, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among businesses in both regions,” said UIBC-UC and KEF Holdings Chairman, Faizal Kottikollon.

“This integration will foster a vibrant community where startups can thrive, leveraging insights and connections that drive their success in both the UAE and Indian markets,” he added.

The UIBC-UC also recently signed a MoU with the Government of Rajasthan to enhance investment and economic collaboration. This strategic agreement focuses on promoting Rajasthan’s investment potential, organizing joint events, and facilitating the exchange of vital market intelligence. By connecting UAE investors with Rajasthan enterprises, the MoU aims to boost investment interest and foster valuable partnerships. As part of this agreement, the UIBC-UC is aiming to participate in the upcoming Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024, scheduled for December 9-11 in Jaipur, further emphasizing the commitment to mutual growth.

Expand North Star is set to ignite the UAE from October 13-16, 2024, serving as a powerhouse for business impact. This premier event accelerates the world’s most promising startups, uniting the entire startup ecosystem under one roof including investors, accelerators, and tech enthusiasts to secure funding, forge investment deals, and stay ahead of the curve in a dynamic tech landscape.

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