Expand North Star 2026 Returns to Dubai Bigger and Bolders

The global technology and startup ecosystem is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, and at the center of this revolution stands Dubai. From December 8–10, 2026, Expand North Star—the world’s largest startup and investor connector event—returns alongside GITEX Global at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai, with the pre-event Summit kicking off on December 7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

For one transformative week, the global innovation community will converge under one roof. Uniting founders, venture capitalists, corporate giants, and policymakers, Expand North Star 2026 offers an unrivaled platform designed to spark game-changing partnerships, unlock cross-border investments, and fuel global growth.

What’s New for 2026: Next-Level Opportunities for Growth

This year’s edition introduces a lineup of groundbreaking initiatives tailored to every stage of the entrepreneurial journey:

• Scale.iT: Inspired by the Proud of UAE campaign, Scale.iT is the new flagship destination connecting government leaders, corporates, investors, and high-growth startups to showcase the programs and opportunities driving the UAE’s booming innovation economy.
• ENS Founders Academy: A premier 3-day founder development experience. Spread across three specialized labs, founders get direct access to seasoned investors, top-tier operators, and unicorn builders to master every milestone from initial idea to successful exit.
• ENS26 Backers Pitch: Turning traditional pitch sessions on their head, this new feature places investors on stage to pitch companies they already back to other venture capitalists—opening up powerful new avenues for co-investment and syndicate building.
• Supernova 0X: Expand North Star’s legendary flagship competition evolves into a stage-based format. Founders will pitch within their relevant competitive peers to vie for a transformative growth package prize.
• GITEX Healthtech: A dedicated launchpad highlighting founders pioneering cutting-edge AR/VR hardware, smart health devices, and lifestyle technologies designed to scale globally.
• APOLLO100: Flipping the traditional market-entry model, APOLLO100 provides international hubs with the platform to pitch their soft-landing programs directly to expansion-ready startups, creating seamless pathways for international scaling.

Maximize Your Reach: The Founder’s Pass

Recognizing the needs of fast-moving startups, Expand North Star 2026 introduces The Founder’s Pass. This limited-edition ticket is built for founders seeking maximum visibility with minimum investment. It offers a dedicated one-day pod alongside full three-day event access, including eligibility for the Supernova competition, 1-on-1 investor matchmaking, and access to all conference sessions.

Event Details at a Glance

• Summit: 7 December 2026 | Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
• Main Event: 8–10 December 2026 | Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai
• Website & Registration: expandnorthstar.com

The future of tech entrepreneurship is being built right now. Don’t miss your chance to connect with the visionaries, investors, and tech leaders defining tomorrow.

Ready to scale your business on the global stage?

Secure your place today at Expand North Star and join the ultimate ecosystem of startup innovation.