Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM)-backed 50 startups seeking business and investment by showcasing new products, technologies, and good ideas internationally will participate in the five-day GITEX World 2023, which started in Dubai. World Trade Center. GITEX Global is the world's largest and most experienced startup and business forum, bringing together the world's most innovative companies and top talent to improve commerce, business, society and culture. Startups from Kerala are participating in the startup-focused event 'Expand North Star' at Dubai Port, one of the two mega-venues of the biggest tech expo.

This edition of GITEX Global features the highest-ever contingent of KSUM-supported startups from sectors including IT, robotics, AR/VR (Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality), IoT (Internet of Things), software, EVs, etc. Kerala startups with innovative products that have begun generating revenue are participating in the 'Expand North Star', hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. Anoop Ambika, CEO of KSUM, expressed confidence that the event will create enormous opportunities for startups in the state, given the long-standing friendly relationship between Kerala and the Middle East.

"Apart from bagging business and investment opportunities, the seventh delegation led by KSUM at GITEX Global will find ways to scale up their business. Besides displaying their products and solutions, these ventures will also explore greater expansion and investor connections to the Middle East", he added. Also, visitors can witness a wide range of innovative technology products from the state. Corporate matchmaking and investor connections make the event more impactful. He noted that the delegation led by KSUM in previous editions of the event had helped hundreds of startups showcase their products, thus finding business and investment opportunities.

Dr K P Hussain, Chairman and Managing Director of Fathima Healthcare Group, UAE, inaugurated the pavilion of KSUM at GITEX Global. Lauding the efforts of KSUM, Dr Hussain said the Middle East offers immense opportunities for the growth of startups with credible products. Also, the startups taking part in the event have a wide range of use cases, and he added that those with impressive use cases should be given opportunities to explore more projects.

Meanwhile, eight Kerala startups have made it to the Supernova Challenge's semifinals, the biggest pitch competition in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The challenge being featured alongside the 'Expand North Star' is a much-anticipated pitch competition for entrepreneurs willing to display groundbreaking innovations and highlight their value in front of the world. The startups that made it to the semifinals from thousands of entries include Genrobotics, Brainwired, HyperQuotient, Acutro Technologies Pvt Ltd, EyeRov, Noval Sustainability Solutions Private Limited, Tuttifrutti, and Estro Tech Robotics. More than 1800 global startup exhibitors, 900+ investors, and 100+ countries are attending the Expand North Star event.