In October 2025, Expand North Star - billed as the world’s largest event for startups and investors - will mark its 10th anniversary with a significant expansion in scope and programming. Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, the event will take place from October 12 to 15 at Dubai Harbour.

The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of three chambers under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced five new features for the upcoming edition: ScaleX, the Consumer Tech Zone, North Star Green Impact, the Deeptech MEA Summit, and the Digital Assets Forum. These initiatives are aimed at broadening the platform’s reach and enhancing its role as a regional and international catalyst for digital innovation, investment, and entrepreneurship.

A Broader Ecosystem

Launched in 2015, Expand North Star has evolved into a global convergence point for founders, venture capital firms, technology leaders, and policymakers. The 2025 edition introduces targeted content zones and thematic summits, reflecting both the diversification of the tech sector and Dubai’s ambitions to accelerate its transition into a digital economy.

Among the key additions is ScaleX, a market access program curated for 100 of the world’s fastest-growing technology scaleups. The initiative combines remote preparation with in-person engagements at the event, aimed at facilitating expansion into the Middle East and other emerging markets.

The Consumer Tech Zone will provide a dedicated showcase for startups developing hardware and consumer-facing innovations in areas such as augmented and virtual reality, digital health devices, and connected lifestyle technologies. These early-stage companies are backed by accelerators, government innovation programs, and research hubs.

Emphasis on Sustainability and Deep Technology

The launch of North Star Green Impact introduces a new sustainability-focused platform spotlighting climate-tech startups. Areas of focus include clean energy, circular economy solutions, water conservation, and sustainable transportation. The initiative comes as climate-related ventures in the Middle East and North Africa region have seen increased investor interest, including a reported 40 percent annual rise in venture capital funding in 2023.

Another new addition, the Deeptech MEA Summit, will convene stakeholders from across the Middle East and Africa working in advanced technologies such as quantum computing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The summit aims to foster collaboration between researchers, startups, and government bodies focused on commercializing deep technology innovation.

Meanwhile, the Digital Assets Forum will address emerging trends and regulatory developments in digital finance. Topics include central bank digital currencies, tokenization of assets, and the application of AI in financial infrastructure and risk management.

Signature Events Return

Several of Expand North Star’s flagship initiatives will return for the 2025 edition. The Supernova Challenge 2.0, a global startup pitch competition, will once again offer a prize pool of $200,000. The Corporate Arena, launched in 2024, will also return, providing a venue for enterprise leaders to engage with founders and explore investment or partnership opportunities.

The Tech Transfer Innovation Forum will continue its role in bridging the gap between academia and industry by connecting researchers, universities, and deep-tech entrepreneurs. Additionally, the event will host Marketing Mania, a conference focused on MarTech and brand storytelling in the age of AI.

Youth-oriented programs will also feature prominently. YouthX Unipreneur and Emaratipreneur will support student founders and emerging Emirati entrepreneurs, respectively. Networking activities are scheduled to continue into the evening hours under the North Star by Night banner, designed to foster informal dialogue and connections among attendees.

Economic Strategy

The expansion of the event aligns with broader policy goals under Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which targets the city’s transformation into one of the top global digital economies. The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy considers Expand North Star a central component of its strategy to position the emirate as a hub for innovation-led growth.

As the event enters its second decade, its organizers aim to leverage Dubai’s strategic location, business environment, and policy direction to attract and support the next generation of global technology leaders.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.