Dubai announces biggest-ever ‘Expand North Star’ with five new features for 2025 edition
<p><strong>Dubai, September 20, 2025</strong> – Dubai is preparing to host its largest-ever edition of <strong>Expand North Star</strong>, the world’s premier startup and investor showcase, with groundbreaking features designed to accelerate global innovation and entrepreneurship. Organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the 10th anniversary edition will take place from <strong>October 12–15, 2025, at Dubai Harbour</strong>.</p><p>Celebrating a decade of success, Expand North Star 2025 is introducing <strong>five major additions</strong> to its ecosystem: <strong>ScaleX, Consumer Tech Zone, North Star Green Impact, Deeptech MEA Summit, and the Digital Assets Forum</strong>. These new platforms aim to strengthen Dubai’s role as a global hub for technology, sustainability, and next-generation business growth.</p><h3>ScaleX: Accelerating Global Growth</h3><p>One of the headline features of this year’s event, <strong>ScaleX</strong>, will serve as the official growth programme for fast-rising technology companies. It will spotlight <strong>100 of the world’s fastest-growing scaleups</strong>, connecting them with investors, accelerators, and government stakeholders.</p><p>Designed as a <strong>market access initiative</strong>, ScaleX blends virtual preparation with on-ground opportunities, giving scaleups the chance to expand into the Middle East and global markets. By positioning Dubai as the gateway, the programme will help startups transition into global powerhouses.</p><h3>Consumer Tech Zone: A Launchpad for Next-Gen Products</h3><p>The newly introduced <strong>Consumer Tech Zone</strong> will showcase product-driven startups working on <strong>AR/VR devices, smart health innovations, lifestyle technologies, and connected consumer gadgets</strong>.</p><p>Backed by accelerators, research institutions, and government programmes, this zone will allow visitors to <strong>experience demo-ready technologies</strong> firsthand. For founders, it offers a powerful platform to launch their products in front of international investors and industry leaders.</p><h3>North Star Green Impact: Climate Innovation in Focus</h3><p>Sustainability has become a core driver of innovation worldwide, and Expand North Star 2025 is making it a priority with the launch of the <strong>North Star Green Impact</strong> zone.</p><p>This dedicated platform will highlight <strong>clean energy, water technologies, circular economy solutions, and sustainable mobility startups</strong>. With regional climate-tech investment surging by <strong>40% year-on-year in 2023</strong>, Green Impact will link founders with climate-focused investors, policymakers, and corporate partners committed to sustainable growth.</p><h3>Deeptech MEA Summit: Building the Future of Innovation</h3><p>The <strong>Deeptech MEA Summit</strong> is set to bring together researchers, entrepreneurs, and government leaders to discuss cutting-edge developments in <strong>artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, and other frontier technologies</strong>.</p><p>By addressing barriers to growth and building stronger partnerships, the summit aims to lay the foundation for a robust <strong>deep-tech ecosystem across the Middle East and Africa</strong>. It will also provide pathways for research-based innovations to move from labs into real-world applications.</p><h3>Digital Assets Forum: Redefining Financial Systems</h3><p>With blockchain, AI, and tokenisation reshaping global finance, the <strong>Digital Assets Forum</strong> will explore opportunities and challenges in the digital economy.</p><p>Sessions will cover <strong>central bank digital currencies, tokenised assets, fintech regulation, and risk management strategies</strong>. By gathering global experts, the forum aims to position Dubai as a thought leader in the evolution of digital finance.</p><h3>Signature Programmes Return</h3><p>In addition to the new features, Expand North Star 2025 will retain its most popular programmes. The <strong>Supernova Challenge 2.0</strong>, the world’s largest startup pitch competition, returns with a prize pool of <strong>US$200,000</strong>.</p><p>Other highlights include:</p><p><strong>Corporate Arena</strong>, connecting enterprises with startups and investors.</p><p><strong>Tech Transfer Innovation Forum</strong>, linking academia with entrepreneurship.</p><p><strong>Marketing Mania</strong>, the region’s leading MarTech conference.</p><p><strong>YouthX Unipreneur and Emaratipreneur</strong>, empowering student and Emirati founders.</p><p><strong>North Star by Night</strong>, a networking series to strengthen collaborations.</p><h3>Driving Dubai’s Digital Ambitions</h3><p>The expansion of Expand North Star reflects the <strong>Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s commitment</strong> to the emirate’s <strong>Dubai Economic Agenda (D33)</strong>, which seeks to position Dubai as one of the world’s top digital economies.</p><p>By fostering investment, talent development, and global partnerships, Expand North Star 2025 reinforces Dubai’s role as a <strong>launchpad for global innovation and entrepreneurship</strong>.</p><p>As the world’s biggest startup event celebrates its milestone 10th edition, it promises to be a defining moment for founders, investors, and business leaders shaping the future of the digital economy.</p>