GITEX 2016 launches new global start-up movement

DUBAI, 2nd May, 2016 (WAM) - GITEX Technology Week will launch and host GITEX STARTUP MOVEMENT, one of the most global start-up gatherings in the world with over 30 countries represented, as it brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, mentors and buyers for the first time in Dubai. The GITEX STARTUP MOVEMENT will convene over 400 start-ups and more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, investors and mentors from the global start-up ecosystem. The exclusive set-up will highlight the most innovative start-ups around the world and provide them a platform to sell, form partnerships and attract investors. Participants will also be able to pitch for prizes, attend an interactive conference to address challenges faced by entrepreneurs and meet leading industry figures. The initiative has already garnered tremendous interest and momentum from supporters across the globe including Business France, Cross Trade agency in Singapore, Digi Robotics in the UAE, Egypt's Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), Japan's Jetro agency, Marco Trade Export in Morocco, Star Systems agency in Iran and STC from KSA. The Arab world has a burgeoning youth demographic. More than 60 per cent of the 350 million population is under the age of 25. Young millennial Arabs are online, mobile, using technology and becoming entrepreneurs with the strong support of government initiatives. The UAE leads the way in the region on revolutionary smart cities transformation and diversification of economies. Across Middle East & Africa, entrepreneurs are at the heart of the digital revolution as ICT spending increases across the region. "Start-ups from all over the globe, women, youth and Arab entrepreneurs are a very real force of change that is making a positive impact in our society. They need supportive ecosystems to nurture and enable their growth and success. GITEX Technology Week has a strong legacy as one of the leading international tech events and is uniquely positioned to turn the spotlight on start-ups. With a force of 146,000 technology professionals and 22,000 C-suite executives at GITEX, Start-ups gain immediate access to a powerful industry network and massive technology marketplace, entry into growth markets in Middle East & Africa, and can future-proof their business plans, products and services." said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President, Exhibitions and Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre. The public sector in the UAE is already committed to facilitating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship through its AED 2 billion knowledge fund, which is part of the country's National Innovation Strategy, and aims to accelerate the start-up movement towards a sustainable knowledge-based economy. GITEX STARTUP MOVEMENT will form the centrepiece of the 2016 edition with emerging technologies sectors in the region equally set to benefit, as the event will showcase IoT applications, next-gen technologies and digital marketing solutions that are expected to revolutionise the global economy by 2025. The Middle East, through its early adoption of emerging and next-gen technologies is poised to benefit from the global industrial shift and start-up organisations in the region are well positioned to become innovators and leaders. The region is already projected to spend around US$60 billion on 3D Printing, Robotics, Drones, Digital Marketing and Smart Living/Wearables by 2020. As the Middle East embarks upon rapid transformations towards Smart Cities, the demand for innovative solutions is ever increasing. GITEX STARTUP MOVEMENT will connect entrepreneurs with key government buyers, VCs, angel investors, seed capital and mentors from around the world. The marketplace is wide open for disruption and innovation by both established technology providers and start-ups. Technology buyers are hungry to differentiate themselves from their competition. They are open to be early adopters of technology that can revolutionize their customer experience or open up new market possibilities in key industries such as retail, healthcare, education, finance, travel and energy. GITEX STARTUP MOVEMENT will provide that breadth and depth of technology and services for all our trade visitors invested in innovation and enterprise," LohMirmand said. Delegates will be have the opportunity to visit country zones and showcase pods that will feature the most exciting start-ups offering drones & robotics; IoT, AR, VR & AI; finance; retail; healthcare; education; energy; travel & hospitality; media & marketing; and transport & logistics, to name a few. GITEX Technology Week will feature dedicated zones that will showcase exhibitors and live demonstrations of emerging solutions and providers from 3D Printing, Robotics, Drones, Digital Marketing, Wearables and IoT and Smart Living, as well as industry Vertical Days to streamline the visitor experience looking for specialist knowledge. GITEX brings together, leaders, influencers and innovators from the industry and a compelling programme of networking sessions. GITEX Technology Week is expected to attract more than 146,000 visitors from over 140 countries, including 22,000 C-suite executives and 3,500 exhibitors from 55 countries. – Emirates News Agency, WAM –