Italian SMEs have the opportunity to pitch live to an audience of regional investors

Dubai, UAE - 18, October 2021: This year’s GITEX Future Stars brings together 47 Italian start-ups and innovative SMEs, the highest number to ever participate in the event, which is known for attracting the best innovators from across the world. 

The Italian Trade Agency, in cooperation with the Embassy of Italy in the UAE and the Consulate General in Dubai, has more than doubled the number of exhibitors at 2021 official Italian Pavilion and organised a pitching arena for a two days Pitch Sessions (October 17th and 18th) reserved to an audience of angel investors, venture capitalists and private equity investors.

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the show has now grown into the largest start-up event in the Middle East, North Africa & South Asia and is one of six exhibitions and shows under the GITEX Global umbrella. 

Among the Italian innovations showcased are: innovative solutions for blockchain, healthcare, smart cities and mobility, augmented reality, AI applied to manufacturing applications and sustainable mobility. A large number of the participants are grouped in the regional area organised by Apulia Region, Sardinia Region and Marche Region.

His Excellency Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE said, “Italy has seen a huge increase in start-ups in recent years, with nearly 13,600 registered as of July 2021. The businesses specialising in software, R&D and information services account for 75 per cent of Italian start-ups, while nearly 17 per cent operate in the development of manufacturing technology followed by services in trade. In the European start-up ecosystem, Italy currently ranks eight in terms of its ability to generate Exits or Unicorns (Entrepreneurial Outcome). We are supporting start-ups and innovative SME’s as they identify new market opportunities and develop technologies that will provide solutions to global issues.” 

Amedeo Scarpa, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE said, “Being the birth place of one of the first inventors, the ingenious Leonardo da Vinci, Italy has always been renowned for its creative DNA. Fast forward 500 years, this creative spirit is still reflected in our economy and way of doing business. In the frame of Expo2020 Dubai, Italian creativity will connect people as well as Italian “beauty connects people” at Italy’s Pavilion. In addition to the creative economy, the start-ups are specialising in augmented reality, smart mobility and blockchain technology, a crucial sector for the UAE that is currently applying it to the country’s most important sectors. 

Earlier this year, ITA partnered with Dubai Future Foundation for the first ever G2G bilateral incubation program. Eleven Italian innovative start-ups where accelerated for two months in Dubai at Area2071. At the end of the Programme the whole group was awarded with the Emirati Golden Business Visa. Some of these start-ups will be present also at GITEX Future Stars at Italy’s official Pavilion to further enhance their commercial and strategic partnerships in the UAE. ‘’

On October the 20th, Italy’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will also host an Innovation Talk focusing on possible bilateral cooperation in robotics and its manufacturing application, sustainable mobility, start-ups acceleration ecosystems and technological parks.

The talk will be followed by a networking cocktail with the 47 Italian start-ups and innovative SME’s exhibiting at GITEX FUTURE STARS.