Day 1
Launchpad Middle-East
Dubai Konnect
- Partner Presentation
- Investor Introduction
- Startup Introduction
- One-on-One Session
- Networking Followed by Dinner
Venue: In5 TechInvestment, Business & Networking
Startup Delegation to Dubai
North Star brings together Founders, Investors, and Visionaries from every corner of the world. It bridges fragmented markets, accelerates access to Global Capital, and unlocks collaboration between Startups, Governments, and Corporates to fuel Real‑World Impact and Economic Growth.
2025Show Numbers
- 2,050Exhibiting Startups from 96 Countries
- 1,300+Investors
- 5,340+Pre-arranged Onsite Meetings
- 400Speakers
- 6,500+Founders
ENS26 Backers Pitch
No founders. No fluff. Just backers pitching deals.
Backed startups presented by investors, triggering instant interest signals and curated follow-up meetings in the dealroom.
ENS Founders Academy
The world’s largest founder learning platform
A 3-day academy at Expand North Star connecting founders with investors, operators and unicorn builders through five specialised labs spanning the entire startup journey, from idea to exit.
NS Play
Innovation meets lifestyle
This new feature brings together founders building AR/VR hardware, smart health devices and lifestyle tech designed to scale.
DigiHealth–Biotech
Redefining the future of human health
From AI-driven diagnostics to genomics and next-generation therapeutics, this feature accelerates the world’s most advanced health innovations toward real-world impact.
The Founder’s Pass
A limited-edition pass designed for founders ready to show up, be seen, and connect, without the commitment of a full stand.
Launch your presence at Expand North Star with a dedicated startup pod for one day on the show floor. Meet investors, pitch your solution, generate leads and become part of a curated community of founders shaping the future. It’s the easiest way to step onto a global stage, fast, focused and founder-friendly.
2026 Core Themes
The New Capital Stack
Sovereign funds, family offices, venture debt & secondaries
Commercial Deeptech
From labs to market-ready AI, climate, defence & frontier tech
Founder Restructure
From MVP to multi-market scale and Series A–C playbooks
Scaleup Advantage & Emerging Markets
GCC, Africa, India, LATAM growth corridors
7 Dec 2026 – 12 Dec 2026
Day 2
Expand North Star Day 1
- Participate as Exhibitor: Showcase your products and services in an Exhibition Area.
- Participate as Delegate: Join as a Delegate to explore and connect.
- Unmatched Networking: Engage with Global Leaders, Investors, Mentors, and Founders.
- Massive Scale: Over 2,050 Startups, 1,300 Investors, and more than a Lakh of Attendees.
- Top Tech Fest: Experience the world's largest and most prominent Tech Event.
Day 3
Expand North Star Day 2
- Day-Long Networking: Build meaningful, valuable connections to grow your business.
- Side Events: Scores of Casual Startups/Tech Meetups to Connect with Global Founders and Investors.
- Additional Opportunities: Network and collaborate in a relaxed, engaging setting.
- Exclusive After Party: End the day at the North Star After Party, exclusive to Exhibitors.
Day 4
Expand North Star Day 3
- Day-Long Networking: Build meaningful, valuable connections to grow your business.
- Side Events: Scores of Casual Startups/Tech Meetups to Connect with Global Founders and Investors.
- Additional Opportunities: Network and collaborate in a relaxed, engaging setting.
- Exclusive After Party: End the day at the North Star After Party, exclusive to Exhibitors.
Day 5
Expand North Star Day 4 and After Party
- Day-Long Networking: Build meaningful, valuable connections to grow your business.
- Exclusive After Party: End the day at the North Star After Party, exclusive to Exhibitors.
- Additional Opportunities: Network and collaborate in a relaxed, engaging setting.
Day 6
Checkout, Follow-Up, Roam Around Dubai, Fly Back to Base
- Morning Hustle: Begin the day with follow-up meetings, wrapping up key discussions.
- Explore Dubai: Spend the day roaming around and soaking in Dubai's stunning skyline and vibrant atmosphere.
- Prepare to Depart: Conclude the day and head to the airport for your late-evening flight.
- Fly Back Home: Follow-Ups, Meetings, Back to Base.
For Startups and Founders
Raise, Partner and Enter the UAE Market
Built for founders looking for global investors, cross-border partners and a Middle East growth plan.
Meet Founders from 90+ Countries
Swap playbooks with global founders and explore co-selling, integration and distribution partnerships.
Pre-Scheduled One-on-One Investor Meetings
Land in Dubai with meetings already on your calendar with global VCs, angels and family offices.
Closed-Door Side Events Every Evening
Choose from 20+ curated, invite-only evening sessions where the real conversations and deals happen.
Launchpad Middle East by StartupNews.fyi
Warm introductions to UAE-based entrepreneurs and investors for business and investment opportunities.
Setting Up a Company in Dubai, Explained
Understand the benefits, structures and step-by-step process of opening an entity in Dubai.
Go-to-Market in Dubai and the UAE
Explore customers, channels and partners to launch and grow in one of the world’s fastest-moving markets.
For Enablers
Source Global Deals and Grow Your Portfolio
VCs, angel funds and angel networks, family offices, accelerators and incubators.
Investors Lounge Access
Meet global investors and HNIs to explore co-investments, syndicates and LP opportunities.
Closed-Door Evenings with Global Capital
Join select, invite-only side events alongside international investors and HNIs.
Corporate Partnerships for Your Portfolio
Connect with corporates and established companies looking to partner with your portfolio startups.
Launchpad Middle East by StartupNews.fyi
Introductions to UAE-based entrepreneurs and investors for deal flow and business opportunities.
Dubai Entity Setup, Explained
Understand the benefits and process of opening an entity in Dubai for your fund, network or programme.
UAE Go-to-Market for Your Startups
Open doors for portfolio companies to launch and scale across Dubai and the wider GCC.
Available on Request (Paid)
- Speaker Slots
- Branding
- Pavilion
Participate as Delegate
- Access to GITEX & North Star Entry (All Days)
- Access to Side Events
- Accommodation for 6D/5N
- Return air fare
- 30 Days Single Entry UAE Visa
Participate as Exhibitor
- Exhibition (POD) for One Day
- Access to GITEX & North Star Entry (All Days)
- Access to Side Events
- Accommodation for 6D/5N
- Return air fare
- 30 Days Single Entry UAE Visa
The organisations that help bring founders and investors to Expand North Star.
Share a Few Details to Kick Start the Process