India-UAE CEPA Council Launches Start-Up Series to Boost International Expansion
The UAE–India CEPA Council has introduced the Start-Up Series, a flagship initiative to support high-potential Indian startups in expanding internationally. Five selected startups will receive incubation, mentorship, investor access, and a soft-landing package in the UAE, enhancing cross-border collaboration and strengthening economic ties under the CEPA framework.
The UAE–India CEPA Council's Start-Up Series is designed to connect dynamic Indian startups with growth opportunities in the UAE and global markets, anchored in the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This initiative aims to deepen collaboration between the two countries’ innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems by facilitating partnerships with UAE incubators, accelerators, and investors. The program selects five Indian startups through a multi-stage process, providing them support such as UAE-based accelerator incubation, mentorship, investor networking, round-trip travel, accommodation, and local allowances. These startups benefit from market entry assistance and integration into the UAE innovation ecosystem. The Start-Up Series also plans to publish an Investment Dossier featuring the top 100 startups to attract further investment and partnerships. Launched in January 2024 by top trade ministers from both countries, the initiative strengthens economic ties and fosters innovation-led growth. It reflects the commitment in CEPA to collaboration in entrepreneurship, accelerating the global scale-up of Indian innovation and creating a strategic bridge between the vibrant startup ecosystems of India and the UAE.
