India Innovation Hub, a project of the India Pavilion at EXPO 2020 Dubai, and Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), joined hands as they signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to support the startup ecosystem in both countries. As part of the engagement, unicorns from India will be brought to Dubai where DSO will host ‘Elevate’ sessions, a flagship investor pitching series of the India Innovation Hub.
The announcement was made at the tenth edition of the Elevate series, hosted at Dubai Silicon Oasis, where India’s startup and entrepreneurial ecosystem displayed its ability once again as 50 startups showcased a range of innovative business ideas to global investors.
The event was attended by Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai and Deputy Commissioner-General for India at Expo 2020 Dubai; Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Director General, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Ghanim Al Falasi, Senior Vice President of Technology and Entrepreneurship, Dubai Silicon Oasis alongside other senior officials from both parties.
Startups from industries such as healthcare, fintech, F&B, energy, space, software as a service (SaaS), logistics, and technology among others presented their ideas to the global investors at the popular pitching series supported by HSBC.
Addressing the session, Dr Aman Puri said, “I am glad to be a part of this LoI signing ceremony between Dubai Silicon Oasis, India Innovation Hub and Consulate General of India in Dubai. India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem with over 40 Indian start-ups joining the Unicorn Club in 2021.”
“The UAE has an immense focus on supporting innovation and attracting global talent. We will engage some of the key Indian startups to come and use Dubai as a base for their global expansion. Going ahead, India and the UAE will work closely to foster innovation as well as nurturing new talent,” Dr Puri added.
Talking about the growing partnership between India and Dubai in the startup domain, Dr Juma Al Matrooshi said, “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with the India Innovation Hub, following a delegation’s visit to DSO and Dtec earlier this year and a mutual commitment to support tech-focused startups in both countries. The UAE and India recognize the key role of startups and SMEs in the nations’ economies and are keen to support their establishment and development. In line with the goals of the National Entrepreneurship Agenda, to transform the UAE into The Entrepreneurial Nation and become home to 20 unicorns by 2031, DSO is partnering with the India Innovation Hub to host the Elevate pitch series and welcome promising Indian entrepreneurs looking to expand their operations.”
The next Elevate session is scheduled on 17th February 2022.
