Startup mission to GITEX/North Star 2025 Dubai

GITEX/North Star Dubai

Dubai is one of the largest tech hubs in the Middle East and Asia. GITEX/North Star is one of the world's most significant startup and tech events. Over 4 days, 200,000 visitors, 2,000 startups, and 1,200 investors will meet in Dubai. This exhibition allows startups to present themselves to a large and diverse audience.

NL Lounge

With GITEX/North Star at your doorstep, the Netherlands (NL) Lounge is your home base for networking at the event. Individual stands per startup are not available. However, we promote the Dutch startup sector as a whole.

In collaboration with its partners, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) organises several side events where you can meet investors, coaches, and fellow entrepreneurs.

Why take part?

With this trade mission, we want to support promising startups and innovative companies and their international goals. By joining this mission, you will gain access to international, Middle Eastern, and Asian markets. You can also contact potential clients, investors, partners, and other startups. Together, we will put the Dutch startup ecosystem and its innovative solutions on the map.

GITEX/North Star is an excellent opportunity to:

• present your product or service to a large, international audience;
• validate/test your product or service;
• expand your international network;
• meet potential investors;
• generate media attention.

We often forget to mention it, but networking with other mission members is extremely valuable. It allows you to share experiences and networks, create partnerships, and even meet customers.

For whom?

You can register for this mission if you meet the following criteria:

• your product or service is high-tech, innovative, and potentially disruptive;
• you have already started or are ready for international scaling;
• your startup is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

Do you not fully meet all criteria but have a convincing reason to attend GITEX/North Star? Please explain why you should be part of the Dutch delegation when applying.

Programme

We are still finalising this mission. Below, you will find the preliminary programme (subject to change).

Fees

The participation fee for this mission is €500 (excluding VAT) per company. Only 2 participants per company can take part. This fee will give you the following:

• access passes for GITEX/North Star and its online platform for 2 participants;
• use of the NL Lounge as a meeting point and stepping stone for GITEX/North Star;
• access to side events and network activities;
• meetings with potential investors;
• opportunities to sign contracts or MoUs in the presence of delegation leaders;
• support from the Dutch Consulate-General in Dubai and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.

Travel and accommodation

Travel and accommodation are at your own expense. This also applies to meals and drinks unless stated otherwise in the programme.

Your attendance is essential

Our startup missions play a crucial role in growing and developing a startup. Therefore, it is essential to fully prepare and participate in the mission programme to ensure success. With that in mind, we ask you to attend the preparation meeting and fully engage in the GITEX/North Star programme. Please consider sending a colleague or rethinking your application if you cannot attend.

Register

Register for this mission before 6 July. Each participant must register separately. We allow up to 2 participants per startup.

After the first week of 6 July, we will notify you if you have been selected for the mission.

Register

RVO emphasises that participating companies align with the mission's setup and focus. Registration does not guarantee automatic participation.

We evaluate your registration based on the abovementioned requirements. You can specify how and why you meet the criteria in the registration form. We will consider this information when making our selection.

Women's entrepreneurship

We encourage women's entrepreneurship. We do not select participants based on gender. But we challenge you to look for women participants within your organisation to participate in this mission.

Responsible Business Conduct

The Dutch government emphasises responsible business conduct (RBC) and endorses the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. These guidelines state the RBC standards for internationally active entrepreneurs. Following the OECD guidelines is one condition for participation in this mission.

More information

For information about this mission, please contact:

Maarten Schweers
Project lead GITEX/North Star 2025
Netherlands Enterprise Agency
Phone: +31625515675
Email: maarten.schweers@rvo.nl

Rik Roeske
Project lead GITEX/North Star 2025
Netherlands Enterprise Agency
Phone: +31625516714
Email: rik.roeske@rvo.nl