The Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, part of the three chambers under Dubai Chambers, has announced six dynamic new features for Expand North Star 2024, which is the largest global gathering for startups and investors. Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, this exceptional event is set to take place at Dubai Harbour from October 13 to 16.
This year’s edition, Dubai Media Office reported, introduces several innovative features, including the Corporate Arena, Tech Transfer 3.0, the Future of Media and Creativity, NS Scaleups: 2024 Cohort, Sónar+D, and the Startup Genome Ecosystem Leadership Forum. These new event streams are crafted to enrich the Expand North Star experience and propel the growth of pioneering startups.
Expand North Star unites some of the most sought-after founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to explore the exciting opportunities emerging in Dubai while energizing the future of the digital economy.
Corporate Arena
The Corporate Arena is designed to link enterprises with founders and investors, creating a space for leaders and innovators from top tech firms to connect. This exclusive environment is perfect for fostering strategic collaborations and impactful partnerships for ongoing projects and new initiatives.
This arena is open to corporations eager to invest in startups, promote innovation, and drive growth; companies looking to recruit startups for internal accelerator programs to cultivate fresh ideas and talent; businesses aiming to collaborate with startups to acquire technology, conduct proof of concepts, or carry out product tests; and venture capitalists and angel investors seeking to discover and support promising startups.
Additionally, participants can connect with service providers offering tailored products for startups and corporations, including legal, financial, and marketing assistance. Confirmed participants thus far include Bridgestone, Sony Innovation Venture, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, Dubai Police, DP World, RTA, Dubai Land Department, Aldar, and DHL.
Tech Transfer 3.0
The Tech Transfer 3.0 platform aims to facilitate the commercialization of new inventions, allowing tech professionals and enthusiasts to showcase innovations poised to transform industries. It brings together prominent research institutions, visionary scientists, engineers, and tech experts to illustrate how these innovations can evolve into commercial products with real-world applications. Participating organizations include Instituto Pedro Nunes (IPN) from Portugal, Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Columbia University, Ontario Tech University, and University College London.
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Future of media and creativity
The Future of Media & Creativity space offers a distinctive showcase for impactful marketing strategies from leading businesses with innovative narratives. Additionally, this platform empowers cultural creators to explore the transformative effects of AI, Web 3, and emerging technologies on the media landscape. Visionary creators and brands will converge to highlight the increasingly blurred lines between digital and real-life experiences, entering a realm where content is not just consumed but actively experienced.
North Star Scaleups program
Moreover, the North Star Scaleups program (NS Scaleups) serves as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and growth, featuring 100 global scale-ups from around the world. Selected participants who meet the NS Scaleup criteria through nomination or referral will enjoy global visibility and a premium showcase space, access to exclusive briefings with government officials, immersive product demonstrations, and a concierge matchmaking program connecting them with investors, buyers, and industry experts.
Sónar+D
After a decade of expanding its influence in cities like Barcelona, Istanbul, Lisbon, and Hong Kong, Sónar+D will make its debut at Expand North Star this October. This platform where innovation intersects with culture will further feature a curated exhibition space highlighting cutting-edge ideas and projects in creative technology and innovation.
Startup Genome Ecosystem Leadership Forum
The Startup Genome Ecosystem Leadership Forum will convene a select group of government leaders and entrepreneurs for an afternoon of discussions and networking aimed at fostering connections between global ecosystems. Startup Genome is a renowned organization focused on developing innovation ecosystems that catalyze startup success and ecosystem growth.
Furthermore, these exciting new features underscore the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s dedication to positioning Dubai as a leading global digital economy, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Expand North Star serves as a key pillar in the chamber’s strategy to establish the emirate as a premier global hub for innovation and technology, playing a vital role in driving economic growth and development both within the emirate and beyond.
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