(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) 15,900+ startups and SMEs and a €1.269 trillion industrial base: ITA showcases Italy's innovation ecosystem in Dubai at the 10th anniversary of Expand North Star

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is leading Italy's largest-ever delegation to Expand North Star 2025 , the world's biggest startup event organised by GITEX GLOBAL. From 12–15 October at Dubai Harbour , the Italian Pavilion will host 30 startups and scale-ups – a 25% increase from 2024 – underscoring the country's thriving innovation ecosystem and its commitment to stronger ties with the UAE and the wider Middle East.

Marking its 10th anniversary , Expand North Star has become a global platform for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. This year, the Italian Pavilion will showcase solutions spanning AI, fintech, digital health, cybersecurity, immersive technologies, and aviation safety – reflecting both the diversity of Italy's startup ecosystem and its ability to deliver technologies relevant to the UAE's fast-evolving innovation agenda.

With 15,900+ innovative startups and SMEs supported by 260+ incubators and accelerators , Italy has consolidated its role as one of Europe's most dynamic innovation hubs. From this vibrant landscape, 30 carefully selected companies have been chosen to represent Italy in Dubai, each recognised for its strong growth potential and clear alignment with the UAE's priorities in AI, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability . Their participation highlights Italy's capacity to scale globally while contributing to the Middle East's vision for the future of technology and industry.

What sets Italy apart is the combination of its deep industrial base – the largest in Europe with 348,000 firms and €1.269 trillion in production value – and a startup sector increasingly aligned with the UAE's priorities. Nearly 79% of Italian startups operate in business services such as IT, R&D, and digital infrastructure, echoing the UAE's push into AI and data-driven transformation. A further 12.5% specialise in manufacturing , from advanced machinery to electronics, complementing the UAE's diversification under Operation 300bn. The remainder are active in commerce, opening up collaboration opportunities in areas such as retail-tech and digital marketplaces .

This strength is amplified by a competitive talent pool , with 1 million new graduates and 6,000 specialised technicians each year, alongside 20% of Europe's design workforce. It is further reinforced by a vibrant innovation ecosystem , including 8 competence centres for Industry 4.0 and 5 champions in Key Enabling Technologies that connect academia and industry.

H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates , stated:
“Italy presents its largest-ever delegation at Expand North Star 2025. The showcase brings together innovative start-ups and SMEs, many of which stem from leading national research centres and collaborations with world-renowned experts, including Nobel laureates. This presence reflects the vitality of Italian innovation across cutting-edge sectors and the strong synergy between research institutions, universities, industry, and international investors. Together, these partnerships foster a comprehensive innovation ecosystem – spanning artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, healthcare, sustainable energy, and strategic consulting.”

Mr. Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and Oman , noted:
“Expand North Star has become a crucial gateway for Italian startups to accelerate international growth. Italy today is home to over 15,900 innovative startups and SMEs, supported by 260+ incubators and accelerators and anchored by Europe's largest industrial base worth €1.269 trillion . Backed by a skilled talent pool and world-class incentives, this ecosystem reflects the depth and excellence of Italian innovation. The UAE, already Italy's leading trade partner in the Arab world, is a natural partner for scale-up and collaboration, with both countries committed to driving digital transformation and industrial diversification. This year at Expand North Star, we are proud to present 30 companies that embody Italy's creativity, technology, and entrepreneurial strength while reinforcing the strong trade relationship between our two countries.”

On Tuesday, 14 October at 13:40, Mr. Soldani will take the stage alongside industry experts for the thought-leadership panel“Building Europe's Next Wave of Digital Powerhouses.” The session will spotlight Europe's emergence as a hub for engineering excellence, mission-critical software, and cutting-edge deep-tech innovation.

Alongside the Pavilion showcase, Italian startups will take part in the Supernova Challenge , the region's leading pitch competition that spotlights breakthrough innovators vying for visibility, funding, and industry recognition. Their journey will conclude on 15 October at Superconnectors , a dynamic matchmaking event where selected startups pitch their ideas, build connections, and secure strategic partnerships.

The Italian Pavilion stands as a symbol of Italy's commitment to innovation and its ambition to connect with the UAE's dynamic startup ecosystem, paving the way for new partnerships and global opportunities.

Below is the list of the 30 Italian companies participating in Expand North Star 2025:

AIDA INNOVAZIONE –
ALLEANTIA –
ALTILIA –
AVACAM –
CONTENTS –
ELIANTO –
ERMETIX –
EVENFI –
FIFTH INGENIUM –
GAIN360. –
GCUBE –
GO-OZ –
ICARUS –
INNOVATECH –
INTUOS –
K.HERO – |
KOALA –
LATITUDO 40 –
MAINSTREAMING –
WUVDAY –
MYMONEY –
MYWAI –
O-DAMP –
SOCIAL THINGUM –
TRUESENSE –
WHOTEACH –
WIKIPOINT –
WORKERS BADGE –
XENIA PROGETTI –
YATO –

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