Dubai [UAE], October 29 (ANI): Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye (MENAT) region, has joined forces with the UAE-India CEPA Council to drive its landmark UAE-India Start-up Series, according to an official statement. The collaboration aims to create a stronger platform for Indian entrepreneurs to expand globally, combining India’s innovation ecosystem with the UAE’s international reach to help high-potential startups scale beyond borders.
The platform has already generated exceptional interest, with more than 10,000 Indian startups applying to participate since its launch in June. The partnership was formalized in Dubai with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, and Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the CEPA Council.
As part of the initiative, Emirates NBD has committed to supporting one of the top five winning startups in the series by sponsoring a comprehensive soft-landing package in the UAE.
Commenting on this commitment, Marwan Hadi said, “India’s startups are among the most dynamic in the world. At Emirates NBD, we are proud to strengthen our role as a launchpad for global-scale innovation by supporting this initiative. By combining our financial expertise with the opportunities created under CEPA, we are empowering founders with the support and confidence to take their ideas beyond borders.”
Highlighting the success of the UAE-India Start-up Series and the significance of Emirates NBD’s partnership, Ahmed Aljneibi stated, “The energy and ambition of Indian founders have been remarkable. This initiative is about transforming that drive into global impact. With Emirates NBD’s partnership, we can channel ideas into opportunities and give startups a genuine springboard into international markets.”
The collaboration underscores the shared commitment of the UAE and India to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the Start-up Series, 20 high-potential ventures will be shortlisted to pitch in New Delhi in November 2025, with five selected to establish a presence in the UAE.
The initiative offers a launchpad for promising Indian startups to connect with partners, access global markets, and scale internationally through the UAE’s dynamic business ecosystem, the statement added. (ANI)
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