Startupmission to GITEX/North Star 2026 in Dubai

GITEX-North Star Dubai

Dubai is one of the leading technology hubs in the Middle East and Asia. GITEX-North Star is one of the world's largest startup and technology events. Every year, startups, investors, companies and governments from around the world come together at GITEX-North Star Dubai to explore the latest innovations.

With more than 200,000 visitors, 2,000 startups and over 1,200 investors, GITEX-North Star offers Dutch startups an excellent opportunity to build international connections and explore new markets.

As a participating startup, you can showcase your innovative technology to potential investors, business partners and customers, helping you take the next step in your international growth.

NL Lounge

The Netherlands will have its own NL Lounge at GITEX-North Star. This shared Dutch pavilion is the central meeting place for the Dutch delegation throughout the event.

The NL Lounge offers a place to meet other participants, schedule meetings and expand your network. Individual exhibition booths are not available. Together with its partners, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency also organises several side events where you can meet investors, coaches, founders, and potential business partners.

Why join?

By joining the startup mission to GITEX-North Star, you can:

• showcase your product or service to an international audience;
• test and validate your product or service;
• expand your international network;
• meet potential investors;
• increase your media exposure.

The mission also gives you the opportunity to connect with other Dutch startups. Previous participants have found these connections highly valuable to share experiences, learn from each other and explore new partnerships and business opportunities.

Who can join?

Your startup can join this mission if it:

• offers a high-tech, innovative and potentially disruptive product or service;
• is preparing for or ready to expand internationally;
• is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).

Does your startup not fully meet these criteria, but do you have a strong reason to join GITEX-North Star 2026? Please explain this in your application and provide as much relevant information as possible.

Programme

We are currently finalising the programme, so it may still change. We will organise an online information session in early November to help participants prepare for the mission. The exact date will be confirmed at a later stage. The outline below gives an impression of the planned activities.

Throughout GITEX-North Star, the NL Lounge will be the central meeting place for the Dutch delegation. Here you can meet other participants, host meetings and make use of the shared Dutch presence at the event.

Participation fee

The participation fee is €650 (excluding VAT) per company. This includes participation for one person. An additional participant costs €325 (excluding VAT). A maximum of two participants per company is allowed.

The participation fee includes:

• Unlimited access to GITEX-North Star and the online platform for up to two participants.
• Use of the NL Lounge as a meeting point during GITEX-North Star.
• Participation in all side events and networking activities organised as part of the mission.
• Networking opportunities with potential investors.
• The opportunity to sign contracts or Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of the mission leadership.
• Local support from the Consulate General of the Netherlands in Dubai and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Travel, accommodation, meals and drinks are at your own expense, unless stated otherwise in the programme.

Selection and participation

Participation in the full programme is mandatory. We believe startup missions play an important role in helping startups grow internationally. Good preparation and full participation will help you get the most out of the mission.

If you are unable to attend the full programme, please consider sending a colleague instead or reconsider your participation.

The number of places is limited. We will carefully review all applications. Your startup must fit the objectives and thematic focus of the mission. Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee participation.

Registration

Would you like to join this startup mission? Register using the button below.

Register now

Register by 27 September 2026.

Each participant must register separately. Within one week after the registration deadline, you will be informed whether your startup has been selected to join the mission.

The working language of this mission is English.

More information

Do you have any questions about this startup mission? Please contact:

Maarten Schweers
Project Manager GITEX-North Star 2026, Netherlands Enterprise Agency
E: maarten.schweers@rvo.nl

Maurits Berger
Project Manager GITEX-North Star 2026, Netherlands Enterprise Agency
E: maurits.berger1@rvo.nl