GITEX GLOBAL x Expand North Star Dubai - Vancouver Roadshow
The GITEX GLOBAL x Expand North Star team is travelling to Vancouver to host and discover the best tech startups! The event will gather tech stars, founders, investors, and startup ecosystems from Canada.
The roadshow will highlight top startups pitching their ideas and feature sessions on building connections between Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
Roadshow Event Agenda kicking off at 5:00 PM:
- Registration & Networking
- Welcome from Canadian Startup Association & Aragon Launchpad
- “Why Dubai: Market Landscape and Investment Opportunities” by Abdulla AlGaoud, Director of Digital Operations at Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy
- Expand North Star & GITEX GLOBAL as a platform to access the global tech and startup ecosystem” by Zarko Ackovik, Commercial Group Director @ Dubai World Trade Centre
- Pitch Competition - 10 startups (4 minutes each: 2 min pitch + 2 min Q&A)
- Fireside Chat – Alumni's of Expand North Star
- Winner Announcement and photos
- Networking lunch
PRIZES
1st Winner will receive*:
Economy Return flight for 1 person from Vancouver/Canada to Dubai for Expand North Star (12-15 October 2025)
Accommodation for 1 person for a maximum of 4 nights between 12- 15th October 2025 in Dubai
A fully built and branded 2sqm startup pod to exhibit at Expand North Star 2025 from 12- 15th October 2025 in Dubai
Guaranteed to enter the Supernova Challenge 2025 Semi-Finals at Expand North Star 2025 (cash prizes pool of $200,000)
Special Prize Winner will receive*:
Economy Return flight for 1 person from Vancouver/Canada to Berlin for GITEX Europe 2025 in Berlin
Accommodation for 1 person for a maximum of 3 nights between from 21 - 23 May 2025 in Berlin
A fully built and branded 2sqm startup pod to exhibit at GITEX Europe from 21 - 23 May 2025 in Berlin
Guaranteed to enter the Supernova Challenge 2025 Semi-Finals at GITEX Europe 2025 (cash prizes pool of €100,000)
Startup? Register here.
JUDGES
- Anwer Pirani, Manager of Digital Economy Ecosystem - Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy
- Vanessa Vega Cruz, Senior Relationship Manager - Business Markets RBC
- Mehdi Hosseini, Managing Partner - Arete Venture Capital Corporation
About GITEX and North Star
GITEX GLOBAL IN DUBAI
Following a record-breaking edition in 2024, GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech event will return to Dubai in 2025 for its 45th edition, gathering the world’s most advanced companies and best minds to elevate business, economy, society and culture through the power of innovation. THE WORLD'S BIGGEST SHOW HAS GROWN EVEN LARGER.
More on gitex.com
EXPAND NORTH STAR IN DUBAI
The World's Largest Startup and Investor Connector Event
The hub for business impact, accelerating the world's most sought-after startups towards rapid growth and bringing together the entire startup ecosystem. Expand North Star is the annual go-to event for startups, investors, accelerators and tech enthusiasts to source funding, investment deals and stay up to date with the industry.
More on expandnorthstar.com
GITEX EUROPE IN BERLIN
The Epicenter of Global Tech Innovation
Here's why GITEX EUROPE is your key to unlocking unprecedented growth:
• Exponential Reach: Network with a massive gathering of 2,500+ companies and startups from over 100 countries, including all of Europe's tech hubs. This is your chance to forge connections that propel you into new markets
• Actionable Insights: Gain a competitive edge with 600+ hours of immersive content and expert talks from 500+ global leaders. Discover the latest trends and strategies to fuel your ROI.
• Guaranteed Meetings: Our powerful GITEX Connect platform delivers pre-arranged meetings with high-value targets – big tech players, corporate buyers, investors, and governments. Turn connections into concrete business deals.
More on gitex-europe.com
ABOUT CANADA STARTUP ASSOCIATION
The Canada Startup Association™ (CSA) is dedicated to empowering equity-deserving communities through meaningful connections within Canada’s thriving startup and SME ecosystem. Under the motto “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” CSA embodies this mission by focusing on fostering collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for Canadian startups to thrive.
ABOUT ARAGON LAUNCHPAD ACADEMY
Aragon Launchpad Academy was founded to empower startups by connecting visionary and diverse entrepreneurs with the space, resources, and tools they need to thrive. Their mission is to support remarkable founders in building groundbreaking companies, offering the guidance and opportunities essential for accelerated growth and success.
ABOUT Foresight Canada
Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada's largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they de-risk and simplify public and private sector adoption of the world’s best clean technologies to improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing urgent climate challenges.