UAE-India Start-up Series Program

Anchored in the broader framework of the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), this initiative seeks to deepen cross-border collaboration in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship by building new bridges between two of the world’s most dynamic ecosystems.

Objectives

• The primary objective of the UAE-India Start-up Series is to identify and select five Indian Start-ups and support their expansion into international markets through incubation and ecosystem integration.

Aims

• By connecting them with incubators across the UAE, the program aims to help these Start-ups enter new markets, build commercial partnerships, and scale their impact on a global stage. The initiative will also serve to deepen economic ties and innovation flows between the two countries under the CEPA framework.

Benefits

• 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

Eligibility Criteria

• 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

Selection Process

• 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.

For more information, visit UAE-India CEPA Council.