Agenda for the Final Pitch
| Time | Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 11:50 – 12:30 | Mentorship Session — DP World | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | Terrace Garden, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 13:30 – 14:10 | Mentorship Session — RAKEZ | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 14:10 – 15:00 | Break | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 15:00 – 15:40 | Mentorship Session — Hub71 | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 15:40 – 16:00 | Break | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 16:00 – 16:40 | Mentorship Session — Bisleri | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 16:40 – 17:00 | Break | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 17:00 – 17:40 | Mentorship Session — First Abu Dhabi Bank | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 17:40 – 18:20 | Mentorship Session — Emirates NBD | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 19:30 – 21:30 | Dinner | Terrace Garden, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| Time | Event | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 – 13:30 | Podcast Interviews with Utsav Somani & ANI | Bello, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 12:30 – 13:30 | Lunch | Albero, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Pitch Session — Segment 1 | Longchamp, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Break | Longchamp & Albero, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 15:15 – 16:15 | Pitch Session — Segment 2 | Longchamp, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 16:15 – 16:30 | Break | Longchamp & Albero, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 16:30 – 17:30 | Pitch Session — Segment 3 | Longchamp, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 17:30 – 19:30 | Deliberation & Transition Break | Longchamp, Taj Mahal Hotel |
| 19:30 – 21:30 | Winner Announcement & Cocktail Reception | Varq, Taj Mahal Hotel |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Start-up Series is open to high-potential Indian start-ups across sectors that demonstrate strong innovation, business viability, and relevance to the UAE market. Applicants must be Indian-registered entities with a clear product or service offering, market traction, and a roadmap for UAE engagement. The program welcomes Start-ups from both metro and non-metro regions, and actively encourages applications from those aligned with UAE priority sectors
The selection will take place in three stages:
- Start-ups will be shortlisted based on written applications.
- Top 20 will be chosen after a pitch deck evaluation.
- Final 5 will be selected following a live pitch event in New Delhi
Each stage involves independent evaluation using a structured scoring rubric that rewards merit, strategic fit, and impact.
Each stage involves independent evaluation using a structured scoring rubric that rewards merit, strategic fit, and impact.
24 June 2025 – Launch of the Series and opening of nationwide applications.
15 August 2025 – Applications close.
11 September – Announcement of the Top 500
25 September – Deadline for shortlisted Start-ups to submit pitch decks
Early-November – Announcement of Top 20 Start-ups selected for the final pitch event in Delhi.
End of November – The Grand Pitch Event in Delhi.
February 2026 – Onboarding of five selected Start-ups into UAE incubation support programs.
The five selected Start-ups will receive a fully sponsored soft-landing package in the UAE, including:
- Incubation at a UAE-based accelerator
- Mentorship and investor access
- Round-trip flights and hotel stay
- Local transport and meal allowance
Strong applications clearly demonstrate innovation, traction, execution capability, and alignment with the UAE’s priorities. Start-ups should also present a compelling UAE expansion plan and a well-structured pitch deck. Additional bonus points are awarded to ventures operating in UAE priority sectors.
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