India-UAE Startup Exchange Launched to Boost Global Scaling Opportunities

New Delhi, 4th September 2025

In a significant stride toward fostering international collaboration, the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi has launched the India-UAE Startup Exchange. This initiative aims to provide Indian startups with comprehensive incubation support in the UAE, facilitating their global expansion and strengthening bilateral ties between India and the UAE.

The announcement was made during a high-level dialogue hosted by H.E. Abdulnasser Alshaali, PhD, Ambassador of the UAE to India, at his residence in New Delhi. The event brought together 40 FITT-incubated startups, offering them a platform to explore opportunities in the UAE market and discuss strategies for scaling businesses internationally.

Key Highlights of the Dialogue:

• Scaling Businesses in the UAE Market: Discussions focused on strategies for Indian startups to expand their operations in the UAE, leveraging the country’s strategic location and business-friendly environment.
• Identifying Timely Opportunities: Entrepreneurs explored ways to recognize and capitalize on emerging market trends and demands in the UAE.
• Building Investor Confidence: The role of the UAE Embassy in supporting startups to gain investor trust and secure funding was emphasized.
• Establishing Pathways for Global Expansion: The dialogue underscored the importance of creating sustainable growth avenues for startups aiming for international markets.

Dr. Nikhil Agarwal, Managing Director of FITT, IIT Delhi, highlighted that the collaboration between India and the UAE would generate synergy between both nations and provide startups with a launchpad for global expansion. He emphasized that initiatives by the Ministry of External Affairs and the CEPA Council are enabling startups to capture opportunities in the UAE market, with dialogues like this serving as a practical platform for innovation-driven growth.

The event showcased 40 dynamic FITT-incubated ventures across various sectors, including technology, AI, mobility, robotics, healthcare, life sciences, environment, sustainability, and more. These startups are poised to benefit from the India-UAE Startup Exchange, which will provide five selected companies with full incubation support in the UAE, facilitating their scaling and strengthening innovation-driven growth.

FITT extends its sincere gratitude to H.E. Abdulnasser Alshaali for hosting the dialogue and congratulates the participating innovators for their contributions in making the exchange impactful and memorable. This initiative reinforces the growing India-UAE partnership in entrepreneurship and innovation, highlighting a roadmap for startups to expand globally and create lasting impact.