Dubai: Gitex Technology Week will launch and host ‘Gitex Startup Movement’, with more than 30 countries taking part and bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, mentors and buyers for the first time in Dubai.
The event runs from October 16-20 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
The Gitex Startup Movement will convene over 400 start-ups and more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors and mentors from the global start-up ecosystem. The exclusive set up will highlight the most innovative start-ups around the world and provide them a platform to sell, form partnerships and attract investors.
The initiative has already garnered tremendous interest and momentum from supporters across the globe including Business France, Cross Trade agency in Singapore, Digi Robotics in the UAE, Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Japan’s Jetro agency, Marco Trade Export in Morocco, Star Systems agency in Iran and STC from Saudi Arabia.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President, Exhibitions and Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, said that start-ups from all over the globe, women, youth and Arab entrepreneurs are a very real force of change that is making a positive impact in our society. They need supportive ecosystems to nurture and enable their growth and success. The Middle East, through its early adoption of emerging and next-gen technologies, is poised to benefit from the global industrial shift, and start-up organisations in the region are well positioned to become innovators and leaders. The region is already projected to spend around $60 billion (Dh220 billion) on 3D Printing, Robotics, Drones, Digital Marketing and Smart Living/Wearables by 2020.
“The Tesla Foundation is proud to be a part of the movement. The foundation is focused on building the bridge between private and public organisations to create new technologies and companies, and the Middle East and Africa presents a unique opportunity,” Keith Kaplan, CEO of Tesla Foundation, said.
