Expand North Star 2025

Overview

Expand North Star is the world’s largest curated startup–investor connector event. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, it brings together founders, VCs, corporates, ecosystem builders, and innovators for dedicated pitch competitions, investor summits, and themed networking—all within the broader GITEX Global environment.

Key Features

• Startup Showcase: 1,800+ startups from 100+ countries presenting in the main exhibition and pitch arenas
• Investor Community: 1,000+ investors—including VCs, angels, corporates—matched through curated programs 
• Pitch Competitions: Supernova Challenge & Supernova All‑Stars 2.0, with up to $200,000 equity-free prize 
• Content Tracks: 8 dedicated tracks including AI, fintech, climate-tech, creative tech, green impact, deep tech, corporate innovation, and scale-up ventures
• Investor Programming: Invite‑only Investor Sunday, roundtables, and curated intro sessions
• Global Reach: Featured scale-ups, unicorn founders, and ecosystem insights from markets in Africa, Asia, LATAM, Europe, MENA

Why It Matters

• Scale & Curation – Nearly 2,000 startups and 1,000+ investors converge in a laser‑focused setting designed for deal‑making
• Actionable Engagement – 8,900+ pre‑arranged concierge meetings (2024 figures) ensure high‑value introductions 
• High Stakes Pitching – The Supernova Challenge offers cash awards of up to $200,000 and high-profile mentor exposure 
• Global Market Access – Platform for expansion into GCC, MENA, and beyond through themed market and innovation zones

Event Details

• Dates: 12–15 October 2025
• Venue: Dubai Harbour (co‑located with GITEX Global)