Expand North Star Brings Attention to Future of Creativity and Spirit of Innovation on Final Day

• The UAE transforms into a global hub for startups, future unicorns, and investors, as Expand North Star concludes its 9th edition with record-breaking international participation
• The world’s largest startup and investment event shed light on the Impact of AI on theFuture of Creativity, Money, Blockchain and our Planet

Dubai, UAE, 16 October 2024: Expand North Star 2024, recognized as the world’s largest startup and investment event, concluded today with unprecedented international participation, solidifying the UAE’s status as a global hub for technological innovation. Over four days, the event attracted 1,800 startups, 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding $1 trillion, 59 unicorns, and thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries, transforming Dubai Harbour into a vibrant center of cutting-edge technology and pioneering ideas.

Organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre, hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, and with DXB News Network as the official media partner, the event facilitated a staggering 13,000 concierge-arranged meetings, with 88% of participating startups making their debut. This provided unparalleled networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Global Innovators Shine at Expand North Star

Expand North Star 2024 emerged as a significant global innovation hub, showcasing startups from diverse regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, presenting next-generation technologies spanning AI, quantum computing, sustainable transport, and digital health solutions.

Notable debuts included Austria’s CycloTech GmbH, which introduced CycloRotors, a sustainable and electrically powered propulsion system designed for air mobility vehicles, offering exceptional maneuverability. German-based Clockin showcased a straightforward digitalization tool tailored for small businesses, enabling efficient time tracking, employee management, and job cost management. CSO Fabian Ebbert stated, "Our tech is ideal for companies with a deskless workforce of about 50 employees, and we've discovered many small companies in the UAE have yet to digitalize their processes. If things progress well with our new partners, we plan to expand here."

From South Korea, EYL Inc. presented its Quantum Random Number Generation chip, enhancing IoT security by producing robust encryption keys. Additionally, Physio unveiled an AI-powered device for predicting and managing neurodegenerative diseases. UAE’s Wamda AI impressed attendees with its Sharp Vision camera system, capable of mirroring human vision and extending operational range by up to 100 times, revolutionizing sectors like security and smart cities.

AI Sparks Interesting Conversations on Human Creativity at Marketing Mania

As AI continues to reshape media and marketing landscapes, significant questions arise regarding the future of human creativity. A key panel discussion highlighted the necessity for consumers to discern quality amid the exponential growth of content creators, as AI threatens to disrupt the industry.​​​​​​​

Sir Martin Sorrell, Founder & Executive Chairman of S4 Capital plc, UK, remarked, "The media planning and buying business will undergo a dramatic shift. Approximately 250,000 employees in large firms could lose their jobs in the next three years due to inefficiencies and a lack of transparency." He concluded with a powerful message: "Learn three languages—Chinese, Spanish, Arabic—and code."

This year’s event also featured the debut of the Sonar+D Creative Summit, established in partnership with Sonar, showcasing a plethora of technological innovations. Renowned speakers, including Neil Patel, Co-founder of NP Digital, and Prashant Saran, Director of Operations at Amazon UAE, shared insights on the future of creativity.

GITEX GLOBAL Paves Way for the Evolution of Deep Tech

Fully integrated with GITEX GLOBAL, Expand North Star emphasized deep tech throughout its discussions. Thomas Debass, Chief Partnership Officer at the US State Department, highlighted the significance of deep tech. "This platform exemplifies public-private partnership in action. The Government of Dubai is hosting the world, and what strikes me most is Dubai's visionary approach to the future," he noted. "Deep tech may seem distant, yet GITEX is making it a reality now, even expanding into Morocco."

Tech Transfer 3.0: Bridging Innovation and Real Innovation

Powered by Deep Tech MENA and GIE (Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship), Expand North Star launched Tech Transfer 3.0, a platform connecting research institutes and scientists to convert breakthrough innovations into tangible products. Attendees had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge prototypes and demonstrations from leading institutions, including Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Tech, MIT, IE, and Georgia Tech, showcasing AI-based concepts and STEM research initiatives that fuel the transition to real-world applications.

Spectacular Finale: Holo by Eric Prydz

As Expand North Star 2024 wrapped up, the tech excitement continues with GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and startup event, running until Friday. Swedish DJ Eric Prydz is set to perform at Expo City Arena on 18 October for the grand finale, unveiling his spectacular HOLO show in Dubai. This immersive audio-visual experience promises to blend Prydz's iconic beats with mesmerizing 3D holograms, bringing an electrifying conclusion to a week dedicated to celebrating technology.