The European pavilion at Expand North Star 2024 has seen an extraordinary influx of European start-ups, solidifying Dubai's status as a worldwide center for innovation and entrepreneurship in digital technologies. This year, over 350 European start-ups from various sectors are participating in Expand North Star, making it the largest European contingent in the event's history. Additionally, several European countries are participating for the first time, including Austria, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. This remarkable turnout underscores the increasing global significance of the event and the substantial growth prospects Dubai offers to digital enterprises worldwide.
François Bertrand, founder of the French marine technology start-up Platypus Craft, noted that Dubai serves as a crucial platform for advancing specialized technologies in sustainable marine exploration. He elaborated that the company is creating an innovative boat capable of navigating both above and below water, stating: “Dubai is the perfect setting for this kind of innovation.” The project aims to boost marine tourism and aid in the restoration of sea life in shallow waters. Platypus Craft is seeking to raise over $5 million in investments to bring the project to fruition.
Noel Crabbe, Chief Revenue Officer at the Irish company PrivacyEngine, which focuses on data privacy protection and compliance software, emphasized the extensive opportunities for business growth and expansion in the UAE, given the robust growth rates across all economic sectors.
Estera Szczepaniak, Communications Lead at Italy’s Biovitae, which specializes in developing air and surface sterilization technologies, remarked: “Dubai hosts the largest exhibitions, with the greatest potential to attract people from around the world.” The company is keen to expand its operations into the emirate, with Szczepaniak identifying Dubai’s booming real estate sector as a prime area of opportunity.
As the world's premier event for start-ups and investors, Expand North Star showcases over 1,800 exhibiting start-ups, alongside more than 1,200 investors from over 100 countries with assets under management (AUM) surpassing $1 trillion. The event plays a pivotal role in Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy's mission to transform the emirate into a leading global hub for technology and innovation, aligning with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
