Over 1,200 investors seeking to diversify their portfolios will have the chance to meet with innovative entrepreneurs from 2,000 international startups – this marks a 25% increase on last year’s event, as more early and late stage companies find success at Expand North Star.

Attendees from around the world will be present, including almost 100 startups from South Korea, 60 startups from Brazil and 12 startups from Ethiopia via JICA. This year’s edition also sees the biggest participation of European startups with over 250 startups joining Expand North Star. Key showcases are being brought to the show by GTAI and Berlin Partner (40 German startups), London and Partners (50 UK startups), Enterprise Ireland (18 startups) and Italian Trade Agency (25 startups).

Set to be another record-breaking year, Expand North Star will attract 70,000 attendees from the startup ecosystem to the iconic destination at Dubai Harbour. 450 speakers will share updates from the business, tech and startup world across 17 conference tracks and 9 stages.

“ENS 2024 will be the biggest edition yet, and we’re proud to be playing our part in shaping a stronger ecosystem,” Peter Brady, associate VP at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), tells Maddyness UK.

“This year, we’re preparing for a showcase of companies from over 100 countries, with 50% more late-stage startups all looking at global expansion. This tells us the impact that we can have on business growth, and why we’re able to welcome 1,200 vetted investors into our official investor programme.

“Another interesting development we have noted is how the majority of our startups are developing advanced technologies including AI, blockchain, biotech, quantum and manufacturing – which is reflected in our new programmes.

“This year’s focus aligns with the biggest themes in tech: AI, future of media and creativity, climate tech, energy, fintech and blockchain, climate tech, and deeptech.