Female tech founders UAE are set to receive an unprecedented opportunity this year. The Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC) has announced a program that will give women-led tech startups in the UAE a chance to participate in Expand North Star 2025, one of the world’s largest and most influential startup events. This initiative is designed to showcase the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial power of UAE women on a global stage.
About Expand North Star 2025
Expand North Star 2025, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy in partnership with GITEX Global, will take place from October 12 to 15, 2025, at Dubai Harbour. Now celebrating its 10th edition, the event has grown into the largest international platform for startups and investors. It attracts thousands of participants, industry leaders, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs from over 100 countries.
This annual gathering plays a key role in advancing Dubai’s reputation as a hub for digital innovation and supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to strengthen the UAE’s global economic position.
The SBWC Sponsorship Program
Under this initiative, SBWC will fully sponsor eight women-led startups from the UAE to exhibit at Expand North Star 2025. Selected participants will benefit from a premium exhibition pod at the event, placing them directly in front of thousands of international visitors, investors, and decision-makers.
Beyond exhibition opportunities, the chosen startups will automatically qualify for the Supernova Challenge, which is known as the world’s largest startup pitch competition. The competition offers a prize pool of $214,000 in equity-free grants, with the overall winner receiving $100,000.
In addition, participants will be eligible to enter two specialized competitions:
- Sustainability Leaders Pitch Competition, which awards $10,000 to startups focused on impactful environmental or social solutions.
- Fintech and Blockchain Disruptor Award, which grants $10,000 to startups that introduce groundbreaking financial technology or blockchain innovations.
Why This Matters for Female Tech Founders
This sponsorship program creates a powerful gateway for female tech founders UAE to step onto a global platform. It is not just about financial support; it is about creating visibility, building networks, and providing exposure to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
For women entrepreneurs in the UAE, it means access to potential investors, mentors, and partners who can help scale their businesses internationally. It also represents recognition of the growing importance of women in shaping the future of technology and innovation.
SBWC Director Maryam Bin Al Shaikh emphasized that this initiative is about empowering women founders to expand their influence beyond local markets and contribute to regional and global innovation.
Eligibility and Requirements
To qualify for SBWC’s sponsorship, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- The startup must be UAE-based and licensed.
- It should be founded or co-founded by a woman.
- The company must have been in operation for less than five years.
- The founder or co-founder must be a member of SBWC. Membership can be arranged during the application process if needed.
How to Apply
Applications are now open through the official SBWC portal, and the deadline for submissions is September 15, 2025. Women founders who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply early to secure consideration for one of the eight sponsored slots.
Once selected, the startups will not only showcase their businesses but also gain the chance to compete in prestigious pitch competitions, connect with venture capitalists, and explore collaborations with other global innovators.
The Evolution of Expand North Star
Since its launch in 2016, Expand North Star has grown into a cornerstone of the global startup ecosystem. In its early days, the event featured just 350 startups, 39 participating countries, and around 150 investors. Today, those numbers have expanded dramatically.
- Over 1,800 startups from more than 100 countries now participate.
- The number of investors has risen to 1,200, representing billions of dollars in potential funding.
- Speakers have increased from 25 in its first year to over 650, representing diverse sectors of innovation.
- The event has attracted 65 unicorns, collectively valued at more than $400 billion.
This exponential growth highlights why Expand North Star has become a vital launchpad for entrepreneurs worldwide.
Opportunities for the UAE Ecosystem
By supporting female tech founders UAE at this international event, SBWC is advancing both women’s empowerment and the UAE’s broader innovation agenda. This aligns with national strategies to foster economic diversification, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote gender equality in leadership roles.
The UAE has already positioned itself as a leader in digital transformation, smart technologies, and entrepreneurial growth. Providing a platform for women-led startups adds another dimension to this progress, ensuring that female voices are represented in shaping the future of technology.
Checklist for Female Tech Founders
For those interested in applying, here is a simple checklist:
- Confirm your startup is UAE-based, licensed, and under five years old.
- Ensure your company is founded or co-founded by a woman.
- Secure or activate your SBWC membership.
- Prepare your application and submit it before September 15, 2025.
- If selected, get ready to exhibit at Expand North Star, compete in pitch competitions, and engage with investors and global leaders.
Conclusion
The Sharjah Business Women Council’s initiative for Expand North Star 2025 marks a turning point for female tech founders UAE. It provides not just financial backing but also the kind of exposure and global networking opportunities that can redefine a company’s growth trajectory.
This is more than an event; it is a launchpad for women entrepreneurs to showcase their innovation, secure investment, and build international partnerships. For the UAE, it underscores the nation’s ongoing commitment to supporting female leadership in technology and driving forward its vision of a diverse, inclusive, and globally competitive economy.
Female tech founders in the UAE now have the chance to step into the spotlight, seize new opportunities, and help shape the future of innovation on a global scale.
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