Canadian Tech Startups Shine at Expand North Star in Dubai

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Canadian Tech Startups Shine at Expand North Star in Dubai 

October 16, 2024 – Toronto, ON – Seven innovative Canadian Tech Startups have made a remarkable impact at Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup event held in Dubai. The delegation, organized by the Canada Startup Association, represents Canada’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and showcases the nation’s commitment to global innovation.

Tech Startups Representing Canada   

The participating startups – Diagen AI, Xatoms, Vertex Health, Nu Me,Navio, InnovaShift Technologies, and AimHalal – are each pioneers in their respective industries, ready to connect, grow, and thrive on the global stage.

Speaking at the  “Women Building the Tech Panel”, at the 10x main Stage Danielle Brewin Graham, Investment Advisor at Canada Startup Association and Co-Founder of The Firehood, an early-stage angel investment fund, highlighted the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs: 

“In North America, only 3% of venture capital goes to women entrepreneurs. To change that, we need to start at the ground level with not only the entrepreneurs themselves, but also the investors. They need to network better, and the first to buy in will be angel investors—those who have worked in the industry and understand what you do. Investing in the education of women investors is essential to fostering this change.”

She later took the spotlight stage for a keynote on “Sustainability and Green Tech Startups”.

 

Key Highlights   

Canadian Startup Association’s partnership with Expand North Star was instrumental in Canadian Tech Startups seizing the opportunity to network with global leaders, gain industry insights, and explore new markets. At a meet-and-greet event, Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, welcomed the semi-finalists of the SuperNova Pitch Competition. The Minister emphasized the UAE’s vision to become the world’s leading AI technology hub, expressing his commitment to creating a welcoming environment for AI companies to establish themselves in the UAE.

During the Canada Business Council Dubai Sector Briefing, Brooke Finlay of Navio Platform shared: 

“It was inspiring to meet fellow Canadians doing business in the UAE. The enthusiasm to support Canadian startups in expanding to the region was remarkable.”

Similarly, Zeeshan Masood, Founder of Innovashift Technologies, expressed his excitement: 

“Participating in the African Pitch Competition has opened doors to new opportunities, and I am thrilled to showcase our solutions on a global stage.” 

 


Collaborations and Successes   

 

The delegation also partnered with HUB47 for an exclusive networking event, offering invaluable mentorship and discussions on global growth strategies. HUB47 praised the success of the event, stating, “We look forward to greater collaboration with these brilliant minds.”

One of the delegation’s standout moments was Diagen AI’s achievement of reaching the Semi-Finals of the prestigious SuperNova Pitch Competition. Selected from hundreds of startups, Diagen AI’s breakthrough innovations in drug discovery have garnered significant attention.

 


Looking Ahead   

 

As the delegation continues its journey, Aziz Mulay-Shah, former Canadian Diplomat and international public affairs expert, voiced his optimism: 

“These entrepreneurs are building stronger global connections and taking Canadian startups to new heights. I am excited to see how they establish themselves in the MENA region.” 

The Canadian Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates also hosted a working breakfast for the delegation, providing valuable insights into the UAE market and exploring business opportunities for Canadian companies in the region.

The event has been an extraordinary opportunity for Canadian startups to connect with investors and industry leaders while advancing Canada’s position as a global leader in innovation.

 

Media Contact:   

Hammad Siddiqui 

Executive Director 

[email protected]