Start-up Series
Announcements
The UAE–India CEPA Council signs MoUs with DP World and the UAE–India Business Council
Important Announcement: TOP 500 of the UAE–India Start-Up Series
From over 10,000 brilliant applications, we are thrilled to announce that the TOP 500 Start-ups have been shortlisted!
The evaluation process was challenging — every application showcased incredible innovation and ambition. Thank you all for the overwhelming response and for making this such a competitive process.
All shortlisted start-ups have been contacted via our official email with the next steps. Please check your inbox for the Pitch Deck submission guidelines. 
To those who didn’t make it this time — your journey doesn’t stop here. Keep pushing, keep innovating — the future is yours to build.
Partnership Engagement: UAE-India CEPA Council and Startup India
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
Late-October – Announcement of Top 20 Start-ups selected for the final pitch event in Delhi.
End of November – The Grand Pitch Event in Delhi.
January 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.
Have you applied yet?
Access opportunities for mentorship, market entry support, and exposure to the UAE’s leading investors now.