UAE Government eyes Indian startups with full support package

July 14, 2025 | 0 Comment

The UAE–India Start-up Series is a premier initiative launched by the UAE–India CEPA Council to identify, empower, and connect high-potential Indian Start-ups with valuable opportunities in the UAE and international markets. Aligned with the broader goals of the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the initiative is designed to foster stronger ties between two of the world’s most vibrant Start-up ecosystems, creating new pathways for cross-border innovation and growth.

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The UAE–India Start-up Series is the flagship initiative of the UAE–India CEPA Council, created to promote, support, and connect high-potential Indian Start-ups with meaningful opportunities in the UAE and global markets. Rooted in the broader framework of the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), this initiative aims to build new bridges between two of the world’s most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems.

A tangible realization of Article 13.2 of the CEPA—focused on cooperation in the Start-up domain—the Series fosters collaboration between incubators, accelerators, and ecosystem enablers from both countries. It not only facilitates cross-border innovation but also accelerates the global growth of Indian Start-ups.

The primary goal of the UAE–India Start-up Series is to identify five promising Indian Start-ups and support their international expansion. These ventures will gain strategic access to the UAE’s innovation hubs, free zones, and investor networks. This access is designed to help them build commercial partnerships, enter new markets, and scale globally.

Application Process

The application journey is designed to be transparent, competitive, and merit-driven, ensuring only the most promising Start-ups are selected:

1. Application Review & Shortlisting
All submissions will undergo a rigorous evaluation process to identify top candidates for the next stage. A transparent scoring framework will be used to assess merit, strategic fit, and inclusion.

2. Evaluation through Pitch Decks (Top 20 Selection)
Shortlisted Start-ups will be invited to submit pitch decks detailing their business model, traction, and UAE market entry strategy. The top 20 will be selected based on the strength of their pitches and alignment with program goals.

3. Final Pitch Event (Top 5 Selection)
The Top 20 Start-ups will present their ideas live at a Grand Pitch Event in Delhi. A distinguished jury will assess each pitch on vision, readiness, and potential impact. Real-time jury feedback and a structured evaluation process will determine the final Top 5 Start-ups.

Key Dates to Remember

  • 24 June 2025 – Launch Day
    Series launch and opening of applications.
  • 31 July 2025 – Application Deadline
    Closing date for submissions.
  • Mid-Late August 2025 – Shortlist Reveal
    Announcement of shortlisted Start-ups invited to submit pitch decks.
  • Early September 2025 – Pitch Preparation Phase
    Deadline for submission of pitch decks by shortlisted Start-ups.
  • Early October 2025 – Top 20 Finalists Announced
    Selection of Start-ups for the final pitch event in Delhi.
  • Mid-October 2025 – Grand Pitch Event in Delhi
    Final pitch presentations and selection of the Top 5 Start-ups.
  • November 2025 Onwards – Incubation Journey Begins
    The selected Start-ups will begin their UAE market integration and incubation journey.

Indian Start-ups ready to scale internationally and explore opportunities in the UAE are encouraged to apply and become part of this transformative initiative.

To apply click –  https://start-upseries.cepacouncil.com/how-to-apply/

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