Destination Expand North Star roadshow draws around 100 startup entrepreneurs in Kozhikode

Calicut / October 12, 2026

Kozhikode, Oct. 12: The Kozhikode roadshow of Destination Expand North Star, organised by Zentral, based at Dubai World Trade Centre, concluded with around 100 startup entrepreneurs participating.

The event was held at HiLITE Business Park in collaboration with Government Cyberpark, HiLITE Business Park and the Calicut Forum for IT (CAFIT).

The roadshow was aimed at helping Kerala-based startups explore international markets through Dubai and establish connections with global investors and business partners. It highlighted the need for stronger support for the startup and IT ecosystem in north Kerala.

Hanu Shelk, Executive Head of HiLITE Business Hub; Rifath Rahman, President of CAFIT; and Anusree, HR and Marketing Manager at Cyberpark, Kozhikode, addressed the gathering. Ashwin Rajmohan, Senior Manager – Partnerships at Dubai World Trade Centre, also spoke about the opportunities available through the initiative.

Entrepreneurs discussed how global platforms such as Expand North Star and GITEX Global 2026 could support the growth of their ventures. Rafees Rahmathulla, Chief Executive Director of Zentral, said the initiative was a stepping stone for Kerala’s startup community to access global markets.

As part of the initiative, 100 selected Indian startup founders will get an opportunity to travel to Dubai and participate in Expand North Star and GITEX Global 2026, where they can explore international business opportunities.

The roadshow programme is being conducted in collaboration with ecosystem partners, including Cyberpark, Infopark and Technopark under the Government of Kerala. Besides Kozhikode, roadshows are scheduled to be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kanniyakumari, Coimbatore, Chennai and Bengaluru.

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