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.
Exclusions
- International travel (airfare to/from the UAE)
- Visa application fees & Travel insurance
- Accommodation (recommendations can be provided on request)
- Personal expenses
- Any costs not explicitly mentioned in the program highlights
Program Fees
- Option 1: Market Access Program (with Expand North Star Pod): Pre-program + On-ground support + 6-month follow-up + Single Startup Pod – INR 2.5 Lakh + Tax (per person)
- Option 2: Market Access Program (without Pod): Pre-program + On-ground support + 6-month follow-up – INR 50,000 + Tax (per person)
PROGRAM STRUCTURE WITH TIMELINE
Sept 20 – Sept 30, 2025
Shortlisting & Final Selection: Selection of startups for the soft landing program based on applications and eligibility criteria.
Oct 5 – Oct 10, 2025
Pre-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, 2025
Onsite 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-up
Continuous 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
- Official GPP partner of Dubai Chamber – an umbrella organisation of Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai International Chamber, and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
- Official partner to multiple government bodies and startup ecosystems across the UAE
- Extensive experience in facilitating market access programs for startups across global markets
- Opens doors to 30+ countries we are associated with
- Dedicated end-to-end support to help startups expand seamlessly into international markets
- Opportunities for one-on-one meetings with higher-level officials from Dubai & Sharjah during Bengaluru Tech Summit or India roadshows
- Free consultation post program to connect with 30+ Freezones in UAE and support for expansion via partnered Govt organization
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
Organizer
Carve Startup Labs is a trusted global expansion partner specializing in organizing startup delegations, corporate innovation programs, and trade roadshows worldwide.
