The 10th anniversary edition of Expand North Star, the worldâs largest startup and investor gathering and a key part of GITEX GLOBAL, has opened with record-breaking participation â over 2,000 startups and 1,200 investors from more than 100 countries.
This year marks a milestone as Brazil takes the spotlight as the eventâs first-ever Country Partner, while Ecuador and Chile join the lineup for the first time. With US$368 billion in global venture capital investment recorded in 2024, the four-day program (12â15 October) aims to supercharge funding, innovation, and international collaboration across the AI-driven digital economy.
Building Bridges with Brazil
Representing Brazilâs strong startup ecosystem of over 20,000 companies, Tatiana Riera, COO of the Dubai Office of ApexBrasil, emphasised Dubaiâs pivotal role in innovation and global partnership.
âItâs not just about showcasing startups, but co-creating the future between Brazil, the UAE, and the world,â Riera stated.
New Countries, New Markets
Ecuador made its debut with 22 companies, including 20 startups, offering AI banking and medical tech solutions.
Ecuadorâs Ambassador to the UAE, Felipe Ribadeneira, highlighted a growing partnership with the UAE â announcing plans for a technology logistics corridor to be signed at the upcoming World Government Summit.
Chile also entered the scene with 12 innovative firms across sectors such as mining, finance, and education. The Chile-Dubai Innovation Summit further aims to strengthen trade and innovation ties across the Middle East.
Global Capital and Growing Ambitions
The eventâs 1,200 investors, with a combined US$1.1 trillion in assets, are set to identify the next wave of unicorns.
Dr. Jorg Goschin, CEO of KFW Capital, praised the UAEâs innovation ecosystem, calling it âa natural hub for co-investment into high-quality European innovation.â
Partnerships that Power Progress
On day one, Dubai World Trade Centre signed major agreements with Presight, 28 Digital, ApexBrasil, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia â reinforcing Dubaiâs global leadership in fostering digital growth.
As part of the emirateâs long-term innovation vision, GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star support Dubaiâs goals to create 30,000 new jobs and 10 unicorns by 2031, solidifying its position as a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship.
đ Event Dates: 12â15 October 2025
đ Location: Dubai Harbour
đ Organized by: Dubai World Trade Centre
