Dubai startup ecosystem beckons tech founders

Trivandrum / October 12, 2026

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 12: Dubai-based hospitality-led business hub Zentral conducted a founder-focused initiative at Technopark here today to help Indian tech startups access global capital and explore opportunities in the UAE.

The major objective of the initiative, ‘Destination Expand North Star’, is to connect Indian technology founders with investors, customers, business leaders and global technology companies in Dubai during Expand North Star, a staple event at GITEX Global 2026, scheduled for December 7-11 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Expand North Star expo will be held at Expo City Dubai from December 8-10.

The first phase of the programme will bring together technology founders, startups, business leaders, incubators, accelerators and wider ecosystem communities across Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Chennai and Bengaluru.

A good number of technology founders attended the roadshow, including founders, investors, business leaders and ecosystem enablers to explore Dubai’s technology and business landscape.

Mr. Rafees Rahmathulla, Chief Executive Director, Zentral, and Mr. Julian Anderson, Senior Sales Manager of Expand North Star, who attended online, interacted with the participants about potential market opportunities and the value of participating in Expand North Star. 

Mr. Sreenath Njaneswar, Lead IT Strategist, High Power IT Committee (HPIC), Govt. of Keralam; Ms Doaa Deqheidy, Business Head, Zentral; Ms Abeer Al Alawi, Head of Operations & Projects, Zentral; and Ms Aisha Zuha, Partnership Manager, Zentral, were also present.  

The programme is supported by strategic ecosystem partners across the region, including Infopark, Cyberpark and Technopark, Startup TN, Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM), HiLITE Business Park, CAFIT, GTECH, World Trade Centre (Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kochi).

Explaining the objectives of the programme, Mr. Rahmathulla said Keralam and GCC have a strong connect through historical trade and business relationship. “We are here to build on that relationship. Zentral is the ecosystem partner for Expand North Star, which is the world's largest startup and investor connect. Our delegation will be travelling across South India to create awareness among technology founders on Expand North Star.”

He added: “Every year, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) brings in around 30–35 companies to GITEX and we had a couple of real success stories on investment and fundraisings. Two years ago, one of the Kerala startups raised around multi-million dollar investment through Expand North Star.”

He said the company can help founders for proper market entry and connect to the investors and a curated journey will be given to the selected 100 companies from India.

Noting that Expand North Star is a gateway to international markets, Ms. Abeer Al Alawi said a lot of opportunities are there for startups and companies from Keralam, which has immense talent pool.

Ms. Doaa Deqheidy said: “At Zentral, we understand what a company’s business model, and what founders want to achieve in the UAE. We can help them plan the practical side of their visit, understand what needs to be considered for their business, and support them as they establish presence and begin operating.”The initiative will bring 100 selected founders from across India to Dubai for a curated seven-day experience built around Expand North Star and GITEX Global 2026. It will provide investors with access to promising startups and give founders a platform to connect with potential investors, customers, strategic partners and key technology players from around the world.

Zentral is a hospitality-led business hub at Dubai World Trade Centre and an Ecosystem Partner of Expand North Star 2026. The firm offers premium workspaces, business support and access to a growing ecosystem of connections and opportunities.

Zentral will be the entering the Indian market soon with plans for opening office in Keralam.

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