The GITEX GLOBAL x Expand North Star team is travelling to Vancouver to host and discover the best tech startups! The event will gather tech stars, founders, investors, and startup ecosystems from Canada.

​​​​​The roadshow will highlight top startups pitching their ideas and feature sessions on building connections between Canada and the United Arab Emirates.

Agenda

​​- Registration & Networking

​​- Welcome from Canadian Startup Association & Aragon Launchpad

​​- ​​​ “Why Dubai: Market Landscape and Investment Opportunities” by Abdulla AlGaoud, Director of Digital Operations at Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy

​​​​​- Expand North Star & GITEX GLOBAL as a platform to access the global tech and startup ecosystem” by Zarko Ackovik, Commercial Group Director @ Dubai World Trade Centre

​​​​​- Pitch Competition – 10 startups (4 minutes each: 2 min pitch + 2 min Q&A)

​​​- Fireside Chat – Alumni’s of Expand North Star

​​​​​- Winner Announcement and photos

​​​​​- Networking lunch

​​​​Prizes

​​​1st Winner will receive*:

• ​​​Economy Return flight for 1 person from Vancouver/Canada to Dubai for Expand North Star (12-15 October 2025)
• Accommodation for 1 person for a maximum of 4 nights between 12- 15th October 2025 in Dubai
• ​​​A fully built and branded 2sqm startup pod to exhibit at Expand North Star 2025 from 12- 15th October 2025 in Dubai
• Guaranteed to enter the Supernova Challenge 2025 Semi-Finals at Expand North Star 2025 (cash prizes pool of $200,000)
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Special Prize Winner will receive*:

• ​​​Economy Return flight for 1 person from Vancouver/Canada to Berlin for GITEX Europe 2025 in Berlin
• ​​​Accommodation for 1 person for a maximum of 3 nights between from 21 – 23 May 2025 in Berlin
• A fully built and branded 2sqm startup pod to exhibit at GITEX Europe from 21 – 23 May 2025 in Berlin
• Guaranteed to enter the Supernova Challenge 2025 Semi-Finals at GITEX Europe 2025 (cash prizes pool of €100,000)