Expand North Star 2024 Reports Record Participation from European Startups

Dubai's position as a global hub for digital innovation has been reinforced with the unprecedented participation of European startups at Expand North Star 2024, organized by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.

Held at Dubai Harbour from October 13-16, the event has attracted over 350 European startups, marking the largest representation from Europe in the event’s history.

For the first time, countries like Austria, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland have joined, highlighting the increasing global significance of the event and Dubai’s appeal as a growing market for digital enterprises.

François Bertrand, founder of French marine technology startup Platypus Craft, praised Dubai’s potential for specialized technologies, saying the city is “the ideal location” for innovations such as his dual-function boat that can sail above and below water.

Bertrand hopes to secure over US$ 5 million in investment to develop this project, aimed at boosting marine tourism and environmental restoration.

Irish data privacy company PrivacyEngine, represented by Chief Revenue Officer Noel Crabbe, sees Dubai as a fertile ground for expansion, while Italy's Biovitae, which specializes in sterilization technologies, views Dubai’s real estate boom as a key opportunity.

Estera Szczepaniak of Biovitae highlighted the event's global reach, noting,

“Dubai has the biggest exhibitions with the biggest potential.”

With over 1,800 startups and 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding US$ 1 trillion, Expand North Star serves as a cornerstone of Dubai’s ambition to become a leading technology hub, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

News Source: Emirates News Agency