The “Expand North Star 2025” exhibition, organized by the Dubai World Trade Center and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, has attracted significant interest from European startups and innovators showcasing the latest technological solutions and digital innovations while exploring expansion opportunities in the regional markets.
European entrepreneurs participating in the event emphasized that Dubai’s dynamic digital business environment allows for testing and developing cutting-edge technologies, fostering innovation.
They also noted that “Expand North Star” reinforces Dubai’s status as a key gateway for European tech companies looking to expand internationally, seize investment opportunities, and build strategic partnerships in regional and global markets.
This year’s edition highlights the diversity of European innovation across various sectors, with many startups leveraging Dubai’s position as a vital hub for access to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. Participants showcased groundbreaking solutions in several fields, including healthcare technology, artificial intelligence, advanced surveillance systems, and sustainable mobility.
Marco Sunberger, CEO of the Austrian firm “Noxafis Tech Solutions,” which is working on digitizing healthcare protocols through an application that reduces the time required for air rescue teams to reach a site and commence operations, underscored the strategic significance of the event. He stated, “We founded our company in Austria, but we aim to expand globally and see this exhibition as a fantastic opportunity to connect with potential partners and clients and share knowledge.”
Networking Opportunities
The exhibition offered participating startups a vital opportunity to network with new customers and partners, which served as a major attraction for many European entrepreneurs.
Sophie Bertin, founder and CEO of the Swiss company “Serabi,” which utilizes AI-powered interactive simulation technology to train companies on organizational aspects, commented: “We are looking to explore new partnerships and clients, especially as our product is now fully ready, and we have a solid customer base. Our goal for participating in the exhibition is to expand our operations and also find expert investors, particularly those who can attract new clients.”
Additionally, the rapid adoption of new technologies in the region presents significant opportunities for sustainable solutions.
Ludwig Spidel, CFO of the German company “Swoopy,” which specializes in providing exchange and charging solutions for light electric vehicles, stated: “We are eager to explore available opportunities in the light electric vehicle market, especially motorcycles. Dubai serves as an ideal platform to realize our ambitions due to its leading position among cities adopting new technologies.”
Dubai’s ambitious urban development vision is attracting top innovators in advanced technology. In this context, David Carvalho, CEO of the French robotics firm “Hawaii Tech,” highlighted the unique growth potential in the emirate, saying: “The use of robotics in the construction sector has become essential for developing infrastructure. We look forward to establishing an independent company in Dubai in collaboration with local institutions, as the business environment in Dubai provides greater flexibility for experimentation and innovation compared to the more traditional frameworks of the European market.”
Many participants acknowledged the significant potential of Dubai’s local market, particularly in emerging technologies. Marcin Szymaniak, CEO of the Polish company “Tantus Data,” which specializes in data consulting and artificial intelligence, pointed out this promising opportunity, stating: “There is enormous growth potential in Dubai, and we recognize that the UAE is aiming to establish a nurturing environment for artificial intelligence on a large scale in the coming years, which is the primary reason for our participation in this exhibition.”