Startups & Companies from 100 Countries
Speakers on the Expand North Star stage
In Capital managed by Investor attending
Tech Leaders at GITEX Global next door
Event figures as published by organizers and event listings for 2026.
Curated Experience and Warm Introductions.
In December, founders from 100 countries will compete for the same investors, the same corporate buyers and the same thirty-minute windows.
Most will arrive cold. They will collect business cards and hope for follow-ups.
The founders who arrive introduced, prepared and backed by a recognized Canadian national delegation have a different week: warm introductions, credibility before they say a word, and a team that already knows the floor.
Go with the team CSA, we have already done it twice. The Canadian Pavilion will give you the edge.
The official Canadian partner
CSA is the official Canadian partner for Expand North Star at GITEX. You are not another cold application. You arrive under a name the organizers recognize.
We have walked this floor before
CSA led Canada’s first startup delegation to Expand North Star in Dubai in 2024. We know the venue, the rhythm and which opportunities are worth your time.
A network that awaits for you
More than 500 founders across Canada have taken part in CSA programs, with delegations to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Singapore and South Korea, all under our Capital Beyond Borders program.
What you walk away with
Investor face time.
Pitch to and meet investors who collectively manage over one trillion dollars.
Credibility on arrival.
Represent Canada as part of an organized national delegation, not a lone visitor with a lanyard.
Non-dilutive upside.
Compete in pitch competitions with equity-free prizes. At GITEX Global 2025, that was a share of $200,000 CAD.
Market access.
Access to decision-makers from 400+ government entities, corporates and accelerators across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.
A team behind you.
Preparation before you fly, support on the ground and follow-up after, so the week turns into a pipeline.
Three ways to access the Canadian Pavilion and CSA’s market-access programme
Choose the level of visibility and market access that fits your goals. All prices are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Exclusive Market Access Pass
Best for founders seeking a pavilion presence and a tailored path to investors, buyers and industry experts.
Includes
- Everything in the Pavilion Exhibitor Package, including pavilion space and two exhibitor badges.
- A concierge-planned schedule of priority one-to-one meetings with investors and corporate or government buyers, matched to your company.
- Invitations to exclusive investor and industry roundtables.
- An opportunity to pitch to industry experts; pitch slots depend on selection and availability.
- CSA directory listing at Expand North Star.
Canadian Pavilion Exhibitor Package
Best for founders who want a visible presence in the Canadian Pavilion and access to CSA’s core ENS programme.
Includes
- Exhibitor space in CSA’s first-ever Canadian Pavilion at Expand North Star, with two exhibitor badges.
- CSA directory listing at Expand North Star.
- Curated investor-meeting opportunities and introductions to corporate and government buyers.
- Invitations to exclusive networking lounges with direct access to buyers and investors, plus eligibility to apply for the Supernova and Corporate Challenge pitch competitions (with prizes).
- Access to CSA co-organized events, including GITEX Global, plus two Startup Party invitations and one AAA Conference access pass.
- Basic marketing package, Startup Growth Magazine feature and CSA website listing.
- One-year complimentary CSA membership, one-to-one pitch-deck feedback, an EDC export-training webinar and early access to CSA initiatives.
- CSA-facilitated introductions and a 50% discount on CSA’s annual Capital Beyond Borders event.
Delegate Pass
Best for founders who want to take part in the meeting programme without a booth.
Includes
- One delegate pass. No exhibitor space is included.
- CSA directory listing at Expand North Star.
- Access to GITEX GLOBAL and the full CSA delegate meeting programme, including investor, corporate and government meetings and roundtables.
- The opportunity to request CSA-facilitated introductions, based on company fit and partner availability.
Meeting appointments depend on company fit and participating partner availability. Expert pitch opportunities are subject to selection and schedule capacity. No package guarantees investment, a contract, or a pitch slot.
Join the Canadian Delegation – You are four steps away
Register interest
Tell us about your startup, the package that fits and what you want out of Dubai.
Get matched
Our team reviews fit and confirms your place in the delegation.
Prepare
Roadshows, pitch preparation and a targeted meeting plan before you travel.
Land in Dubai
Arrive as part of the Canadian delegation, December 8–10.
Hear it from founders who went
Only 30 Spots Are Open for 2026
Applications close October 20, 2026
Expand North Star opens December 8, 2026
Prefer to talk first? Email connect@canadastartups.co or call +1 866 654 7197.
Questions founders ask before they apply
Ten weeks from now, the delegation will be finalized. Will you be in it?
Register your interest today and let CSA get you to the right people, prepared and on time.