Dubai Celebrates Ten Years of Expand North Star with Record Global Startup Participation

Dubai Marks a Decade With North Star, Sets New Record for Global Participation This year marks the tenth anniversary of Dubai’s pioneering startup summit, Expand North Star, which has become the world’s largest gathering for startups in the tech ecosystem. The event, evolving from its initial launch a decade ago, continues to draw prominent tech entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators from over 100 countries, marking a significant milestone in the city’s ambition to be a global innovation hub. For the 2025 edition, Expand North Star is witnessing unprecedented global participation. Over 1,800 startups from six continents are present, with a robust presence from Asia, Europe, and Africa, reflecting Dubai’s growing appeal as a gateway market connecting the East and West. This record-breaking attendance underlines the event’s strategic position at the intersection of finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. Key highlights from this year demonstrate the summit’s commitment to nurturing new ideas and supporting founder success. The event features pitch competitions, industry-specific workshops, and direct networking opportunities with hundreds of venture capitalists and angel investors. As one attendee put it: “This is where future unicorns are born,” underscoring the event’s role as a launchpad for emerging businesses in sectors ranging from fintech to healthtech. A major focus for 2025 is on impact investment and sustainable technology, aligning with regional goals for economic and environmental transformation. Sessions explore the integration of AI, blockchain, and quantum computing into real-world solutions, while also addressing challenges in regulatory frameworks and scaling operations. Through the past decade, Dubai’s strategic policies and infrastructure have fostered a thriving startup scene. The government’s support for initiatives like Expand North Star is a testament to its ongoing vision of building a resilient digital economy and cultivating homegrown innovation that resonates globally. As Dubai celebrates this significant milestone, Expand North Star stands as a beacon for the next wave of innovators, ensuring the momentum only accelerates toward the future. Team V.INO-LNK