Category Archives: Blog

Toronto, ON – The Canada Startup Association is thrilled to announce its first-ever partnership with   GITEX Global, an arm of the Dubai World Trade Center, in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. This landmark partnership marks a significant step in bringing Canadian startups and innovators to the global stage.  

To kick off this exciting partnership, the GITEX Global Trade Delegation will make it’s first-ever visit to Canada. From February 24 to February 27, the GITEX team will participate in three dynamic networking events and pitch competitions in Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver. These events will provide Canadian startups with the chance to connect with global leaders, investors, and ecosystem partners.  

As the Canadian Partner for GITEX Global x Expand North Star, the Canada Startup Association will provide unparalleled opportunities for Canadian startups and innovators to participate in the   world’s largest tech event   in Dubai. This year, under the banner of   GITEX Global, Canadian startups will have the chance to showcase their innovations at Expand North Star, a premier event that attracts a global audience and over 1,000 investors. This event offers Canadian startups exceptional collaboration opportunities, enabling them to scale their businesses internationally.

Pitch Competition: Win a Fully Sponsored Trip to Dubai or Berlin    

As part of the roadshow, the Canada Startup Association is hosting a Pitch Competition in Toronto and Vancouver. Startups will have the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas for a chance to win a fully sponsored trip to Dubai or Berlin.

This is a unique opportunity for Canadian startups to gain international exposure, secure funding, and scale their businesses on a global platform.  

Ecosystem Partners and Supporters    

The Canada Startup Association is also proud to collaborate with Partners  such as Foresight Canada and Firehood Angels, and supported by Argon Launchpad Academy, OneEleven,IDEA Mississauga, Scarborough innovates, Techpreneurs, Scale Without Borders who are instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the Canadian startup ecosystem.  

Media Partnership Announcement    

The Canada Startup Association is excited to announce CanadianSME Business Magazine   as the official   Media Partner   for the Expand North Star and GITEX Global Canadian Roadshows. CanadianSME, a leading platform for small and medium-sized businesses in Canada, will amplify the voices of startups and provide valuable insights and resources to help them succeed on the global stage. 

Roadshow Details: Your Gateway to Global Growth    

Canadian startups are invited to join the roadshows in Toronto, Mississauga, and Vancouver to:  

• Pitch their innovative ideas  
• Connect with global investors and ecosystem leaders  
• Scale their businesses through mentorship and funding opportunities  
• Toronto Roadshow   – Partnering with OneEleven, this event is designed to help startups take their businesses to the next level.  

Mississauga Roadshow   – Supported by IDEA Mississauga, this event is where game-changing ideas meet funding and mentorship.  

Vancouver Roadshow   – In collaboration with   Aragon Launchpad Academy, this event offers startups the chance to unlock global opportunities.  

About Canada Startup Association:   

Canada Startup Association is dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of Canadian startups. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, the association provides startups with the resources, networks, and opportunities they need to succeed on the global stage.  

For more information about the GITEX Global Canadian Roadshows and how to participate, visit localhost/csa-new/gitex or contact connect@canadastartups.co

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 

connect@canadastartups.co