This year, 10 Sri Lankan ICT companies and startups will represent the country at the GITEX Expand North Star event, set to take place from October 13 to 16, 2024. Organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai, the initiative is aimed at showcasing Sri Lankan innovation and fostering international partnerships.
The GITEX Expand North Star event is part of the larger GITEX Global, one of the leading technology and engineering exhibitions in the MENA and Asian regions. Rebranded recently as GITEX Global, the event has expanded its scope, attracting participants from Europe and Africa. GITEX Global 2023 featured more than 6,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries and attracted over 170,000 attendees, making it a global hub for tech innovation and business networking.
The 2024 edition will highlight nine key technology themes, including AI, Telecom, Cybersecurity, Future Mobility, Coders/Developers, Metaverse, YouthX, Sustainability, and the CTO World Congress. It will be co-located with nine other events, including AI Everything, GITEX Impact, Future Urbanism, GLOBAL Devslam, and more, making it an unparalleled platform for tech innovators and startups.
For the first time, Sri Lanka will participate in the GITEX Expand North Star program, the world’s largest investor program, which will provide SMEs and startups with the opportunity to broaden their networks, explore cutting-edge technology trends, and connect with potential investors. The EDB’s involvement is designed to enhance the visibility of Sri Lankan companies and help them expand into international markets.
The Sri Lanka pavilion will feature a series of business meetings, networking sessions, and field visits across Dubai. Collaborating with the Sri Lanka Consulate General, Sri Lankan Business Council in the UAE, and the Sri Lanka IT Professionals’ Association in the UAE, the EDB has also organized additional activities, including participation in the GITEX Global trade exhibition and visits to startup incubators.
Through this strategic engagement, the EDB and its partners aim to elevate Sri Lanka’s position as a growing hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship on the global stage.
