Amin Abbas

A Japanese pavilion, organized by Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), participated in GITEX’s Expand North Star 2024, the world’s largest startup show that took place from Oct. 13 to 16.

The pavilion, titled “J-Starup”, had a total of 22 Japanese tech companies that specialize in AI & Machine Learning, Auto Tech, Big Data & Analytics, Enterprise Software Solutions, Gaming, Lifestyle and Entertainment and more.

Japan has been participating in GITEX since 2016, making this year’s participation their eighth in a row, which shows Japan’s interest in the Middle East market.

“This year, a record 22 companies exhibited in the Japan Pavilion. It features companies from a wide range of fields including AI, Big Data, Space, Web3, Medical, and Science exhibiting their cutting-edge technologies,” a representative of JETRO Dubai said about their participation.

“Pre-briefings and business matching arrangements were conducted to ensure that exhibitors understand the market in the UAE and the Middle East,” he added.

The representative shared that they received good feedback from the visitors. “First of all, everyone says the booth design is so cool,” he said. “Also, we had so many visitors that exhibitors were able to meet more people and talk with them leading to business negotiations here. Some exhibitors also gained investors through meetings in the Investor Lounge at GITEX Expand North Star”.

Regarding JETRO upcoming activities following the event: “UAE startup ecosystem tour for two days will be conducted after the GITEX exhibition organized by JETRO. Applicants from one of the exhibitors will participate in it. The tour will provide an opportunity for participants to understand the environment surrounding SU in the UAE by visiting facilities such as Hub71 in Abu Dhabi and RAKDAO in RAK”.

In 2018, the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) launched a new initiative program to cultivate the brightest of Japan’s startups to succeed in the world market, the J-Startup Program. Recommenders from leading business communities determine and select from over 10,000+ Japanese startups to join the program.

This year’s edition of GITEX Expand North Star featured over 1,800 exhibiting startups and more than 1,200 investors from over 100 countries.