The startup and investor event Expand North Star wrapped up today, having hosted a record number of attendees, including participation from 65 unicorn companies with a combined market value exceeding US$400 billion.
The event, organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre and running alongside GITEX Global, aimed to showcase the latest technologies addressing global challenges, from Applied AI and Deep Tech to water tech and EV charging.
This was particularly seen at GITEX Impact, one of four dedicated programs, alongside Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania.
With a focus on climate tech, sustainability, and ESG innovation, the program featured speakers from across agritech, sustainable finance, and energy, including Sky Kurtz, the co-founder and CEO of Pure Harvest Smart Farm, musician and activist Rocky Dawuni, and Lionel Artusio-Payot, the managing partner of Zebra Impact Ventures.
The other dedicated programs put the spotlight on everything from the future of Web3 to disruptive marketing technologies.
According to Expand North Star organisers, the number of new startups participating for the first time reached 1,584, representing around 88 per cent of the total startups.
In total, this year attracted 1,800 startups and over 1,200 investors from 100 countries, with assets under management exceeding US$ 1 trillion.
ESG Mena is an Expand North Star Community Partner.