Carve Startup Labs Soft Landing Program to the Expand North Star – GITEX Global 2025 & Explore the UAE Ecosystems

This October, Carve Startup Labs invites Indian Startups to join our Soft Landing Program to the United Arab Emirates for a high-impact market access program combining participation at Expand North Star – GITEX Global 2025 and curated visits across Dubai & Sharjah, and a deep dive into business opportunities across the wider Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. Dates: October 12–17, 2025 Location: Expand North Star (Dubai Harbour), Ecosystem visit – Dubai & Sharjah From the world’s largest tech expo to strategic engagements with leading free zones, government stakeholders, and investors across the UAE, this market access program offers startups a powerful gateway to explore opportunities in the MENA region and beyond.   WHY DUBAI & THE MENA REGION? Dubai and the UAE are the ultimate gateway to the MENA region, connecting Indian startups to a thriving market of over 400 million consumers across the Middle East and North Africa. With world-class infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and thriving free zones, the UAE offers unmatched opportunities for scaling regionally and globally. Dubai alone hosts leading accelerators, venture funds, and more than 70% of Fortune 500 companies, making it a hub for partnerships, funding, and expansion. For Indian startups, entering through the UAE is not just market access—it’s a launchpad to the entire MENA region, with immense demand for innovations in AI, FinTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, Smart Cities, and Mobility. WHAT AWAITS YOU? Expand North Star Access: Exhibition pass + Discounted Startup Pods at Expand North Star (Optional) for the world’s most influential tech and innovation event, featuring 4,500+ exhibitors, 100,000+ attendees from 140+ countries, and 3,000+ investors Ecosystem Immersion: Visits to innovation hubs, free zones, and tech organizations across Dubai & Sharjah. Stakeholder Engagements: Meetings with government bodies, corporate leaders, and local investors. Program Support: Pre-event market briefings, on-ground facilitation, and introduction support throughout the program. Post-Visit Assistance: Six months of follow-up support to nurture connections and market entry. PROGRAM STRUCTURE WITH TIMELINE Sept 24 – Sept 30, 2025Shortlisting & Final Selection: Selection of startups for the soft landing program based on applications and eligibility criteria. Oct 5 – Oct 10, 2025Pre-Program Insights & Travel Assistance: Includes briefing sessions, market insights, travel guidance, and direct Q&A support to prepare startups for the UAE program. Oct 12 – Oct 17, 2025Onsite Program: Physical visits to Dubai & Sharjah, participation at Expand North Star – GITEX Global 2025 , ecosystem immersions, and curated stakeholder meetings. Post-Program Support: Up to 6 months follow-upContinuous guidance and support to help startups leverage connections, explore opportunities, and expand into the Middle East market. WHO SHOULD APPLY? Startups working in AI, Blockchain, Web3, Cloud, Smart Cities, FinTech, EdTech, HealthTech, IoT, Cybersecurity, ClimateTech, Mobility, Robotics, and other emerging tech sectors. WHY CARVE STARTUP LABS OUR OFFICIAL PROGRAM PARTNERS 🚀 Take India to the world’s most powerful tech gathering—apply now. Limited slots available. KEY UAE ENGAGEMENTS BY CARVE STARTUP LABS