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Economic Times
12-08-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Over 10,000 Indian startups rush to join UAE-India CEPA Council's series
ANI In just 50 days, the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Council's Startup Series has attracted applications from more than 10,000 Indian entrepreneurs, underscoring the programme's role in accelerating the globalisation of homegrown Indian ventures. The Startup Series is the UAE-India CEPA Council's flagship initiative, designed to connect India's most promising innovators with the UAE's dynamic start-up ecosystem. Offering a comprehensive launchpad, from mentorship to regulatory guidance, the programme leverages the opportunities created under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to accelerate cross-border growth. The start-up series journey commenced on 24 June 2025, with a dynamic launch event in New Delhi, hosted by His Excellency Abdulnasser Alshaali, PhD, UAE Ambassador to India. Bringing together leading founders, investors, and policymakers from both nations, the event marked the official unveiling of the Start-up Series trailer to an audience poised with the launch event, the Startup Series, led by Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, has travelled to eight leading Indian institutions, building partnerships and opening new pathways into the UAE's start-up ecosystem. At Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, the Council partnered with the Atal Incubation Centre Mahamana Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, where rural-tech founders pitched solutions to transform lives and an MoU was signed to formalise future collaboration. In Gurugram, sessions at IILM University and the Master's Union School of Business brought live pitches and a strategic Q&A with the UICC leadership, paving the way for new MoUs linking Indian ventures to UAE journey continued to Bengaluru, where IIM Bangalore's NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning hosted deep-dive roundtables on scaling tech and deep-tech ventures, with tailored advice on achieving product-market fit for the GCC. At IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, climate, mobility, and fintech founders explored how the CEPA can accelerate their international Greater Noida, engagements at Galgotias University and the Atal Incubation Centre - Birla Institute of Management Technology spotlighted health-tech, sustainability, and women-led enterprises, with UAE experts offering practical series culminated at IIT Delhi's Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer on August 4, where an MoU was signed, the Start-up Series trailer was premiered, and incubatees showcased their unique and forward-leaning innovations from agri-tech to defence and smart mobility, underscoring the breadth of opportunities awaiting Indian entrepreneurs in the UAE."From Varanasi to Bengaluru, Kolkata to Delhi, I've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of India's most ambitious founders - listening to their pitches, walking through their incubators, and seeing innovation in action. The Start-up Series is more than a roadshow; it's a bridge into the UAE's thriving start-up ecosystem. The partnerships we have signed, the mentorship we are offering, and the market access we are opening will give these entrepreneurs the tools they need to scale globally," said Aljneibi, director of the UAE-India CEPA the conclusion of the nationwide roadshow, the UAE-India CEPA Council's Start-up Series will now move into its next exciting phase. Applications close on August 15, after which 20 of India's most promising ventures will be shortlisted and invited to New Delhi to present their UAE expansion plans before a high-profile panel of experts from both these, five winners will be selected to receive fully sponsored market entry and incubation in the UAE. The prize package will include funded incubation, trade licences, tailored mentorship, and hands-on support to fast-track integration into the UAE's start-up ecosystem under the CEPA unprecedented growth in the UAE-India economic relationship, the Start-up Series is a practical example of how high-level trade and investment gains are being turned into real-world opportunities for bilateral trade surging to $100.05 billion in the 2024-25 financial year and UAE foreign direct investment into India tripling in just two years, the series offers a direct way for innovative Indian ventures to access the UAE's dynamic market, strengthen cross-border supply chains, and contribute to the next chapter of this rapidly deepening a concrete outcome of the UAE-India CEPA, the initiative delivers on Article 13.2 of the accord, which commits both countries to advancing cooperation in the start-up sector through closer links between incubators, accelerators, and related turning this commitment into a working platform for market access, mentorship, and investment, the Start-up Series is transforming the CEPA's ambitions into real opportunities for growth. 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Time of India
12-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Over 10,000 Indian startups rush to join UAE-India CEPA Council's series
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills In just 50 days, the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Council's Startup Series has attracted applications from more than 10,000 Indian entrepreneurs, underscoring the programme's role in accelerating the globalisation of homegrown Indian Startup Series is the UAE-India CEPA Council 's flagship initiative, designed to connect India's most promising innovators with the UAE's dynamic start-up a comprehensive launchpad, from mentorship to regulatory guidance, the programme leverages the opportunities created under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to accelerate cross-border growth The start-up series journey commenced on 24 June 2025, with a dynamic launch event in New Delhi, hosted by His Excellency Abdulnasser Alshaali, PhD, UAE Ambassador to together leading founders, investors, and policymakers from both nations, the event marked the official unveiling of the Start-up Series trailer to an audience poised with the launch event, the Startup Series, led by Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, has travelled to eight leading Indian institutions, building partnerships and opening new pathways into the UAE's start-up Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, the Council partnered with the Atal Incubation Centre Mahamana Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship , where rural-tech founders pitched solutions to transform lives and an MoU was signed to formalise future Gurugram, sessions at IILM University and the Master's Union School of Business brought live pitches and a strategic Q&A with the UICC leadership, paving the way for new MoUs linking Indian ventures to UAE journey continued to Bengaluru, where IIM Bangalore's NS Raghavan Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning hosted deep-dive roundtables on scaling tech and deep-tech ventures, with tailored advice on achieving product-market fit for the GCC. At IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, climate, mobility, and fintech founders explored how the CEPA can accelerate their international Greater Noida, engagements at Galgotias University and the Atal Incubation Centre - Birla Institute of Management Technology spotlighted health-tech, sustainability, and women-led enterprises, with UAE experts offering practical series culminated at IIT Delhi's Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer on August 4, where an MoU was signed, the Start-up Series trailer was premiered, and incubatees showcased their unique and forward-leaning innovations from agri-tech to defence and smart mobility, underscoring the breadth of opportunities awaiting Indian entrepreneurs in the UAE."From Varanasi to Bengaluru, Kolkata to Delhi, I've had the privilege of meeting hundreds of India's most ambitious founders - listening to their pitches, walking through their incubators, and seeing innovation in action. The Start-up Series is more than a roadshow; it's a bridge into the UAE's thriving start-up ecosystem. The partnerships we have signed, the mentorship we are offering, and the market access we are opening will give these entrepreneurs the tools they need to scale globally," said Aljneibi, director of the UAE-India CEPA the conclusion of the nationwide roadshow, the UAE-India CEPA Council's Start-up Series will now move into its next exciting phase. Applications close on August 15, after which 20 of India's most promising ventures will be shortlisted and invited to New Delhi to present their UAE expansion plans before a high-profile panel of experts from both these, five winners will be selected to receive fully sponsored market entry and incubation in the UAE. The prize package will include funded incubation, trade licences, tailored mentorship, and hands-on support to fast-track integration into the UAE's start-up ecosystem under the CEPA unprecedented growth in the UAE-India economic relationship, the Start-up Series is a practical example of how high-level trade and investment gains are being turned into real-world opportunities for bilateral trade surging to $100.05 billion in the 2024-25 financial year and UAE foreign direct investment into India tripling in just two years, the series offers a direct way for innovative Indian ventures to access the UAE's dynamic market, strengthen cross-border supply chains, and contribute to the next chapter of this rapidly deepening a concrete outcome of the UAE-India CEPA, the initiative delivers on Article 13.2 of the accord, which commits both countries to advancing cooperation in the start-up sector through closer links between incubators, accelerators, and related turning this commitment into a working platform for market access, mentorship, and investment, the Start-up Series is transforming the CEPA's ambitions into real opportunities for growth.


Business Standard
06-08-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
UAE-India CEPA Council Signs MoU with FITT, IIT Delhi to Catalyse Global Pathways for Indian Start-ups
PNN New Delhi [India], August 6: As part of its ongoing Start-up Series Roadshow, the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) partnered with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), the industry interface organisation of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi), to host an engagement session aimed at advancing global opportunities for India's next-generation start-ups. The event was held at the IIT Delhi campus, an institution widely regarded as a cornerstone of India's innovation ecosystem. With its research-driven entrepreneurial culture, strong industry linkages, and globally oriented start-up ecosystem, IIT Delhi served as a natural forum for discussions on internationalisation and collaboration. The session opened with a welcome address by Dr. Nikhil Aggarwal, Managing Director of FITT, followed by a keynote speech from Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi. Mr. Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, also addressed the audience. Attendees were given an exclusive preview of the official UAE-India Start-up Series trailer, which highlighted the programme's core offerings, selection process, and scale-up roadmap. The screening was followed by an engaging open-floor discussion, during which Mr. Aljneibi responded to a wide range of questions from students and founders, covering topics such as sectoral priorities, investor readiness, programme timelines, and cross-border support mechanisms. The session culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UICC and FITT. The MoU aims to establish a launchpad for Indian start-ups to connect with the UAE's dynamic innovation ecosystem through the CEPA Start-up Series, a flagship initiative offering tailored access to funding, mentorship, and international growth opportunities. Speaking at the event, Mr Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, shared his reflections on the importance of the partnership with IIT Delhi. "FITT has played a crucial role in translating research into real-world solutions while nurturing the next generation of innovators. Through this partnership, we are proud to support ambitious founders ready to explore the UAE as a launchpad for global growth. This is an important step in strengthening the entrepreneurial bridge between our two nations." Dr Nikhil Aggarwal, Managing Director of FITT, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "This partnership is a timely opportunity to connect IIT Delhi's vibrant start-up network with global platforms like the CEPA Start-up Series. It brings together the right mix of exposure, mentorship, and funding opportunities that Indian founders need to thrive in international markets such as the UAE." The event concluded with an interactive walk-through and networking session at the IIT Delhi Research and Innovation Park, where participating start-ups had the opportunity to share their ideas and engage directly with the visiting delegation. Applications for the CEPA Start-up Series remain open. Owing to overwhelming interest, the application deadline has been extended to 15 August 2025. Apply now at: For media inquiries or further information, please contact: info@ About the UAE-India CEPA Council The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) is a dedicated bilateral platform established to advance trade, investment, and innovation under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. It facilitates strategic collaborations between businesses, governments, and institutions across both countries to unlock shared economic opportunities. Follow the UAE-India CEPA Council on: LinkedIn Instagram X (formerly Twitter) YouTube About FITT, IIT Delhi The Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) is the industry interface and innovation arm of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. FITT enables technology commercialisation, entrepreneurial incubation, and strategic partnerships across sectors. With a focus on translating research into scalable solutions, FITT plays a key role in shaping India's deep-tech start-up ecosystem and supporting ventures with global ambitions.


Time of India
18-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE-India CEPA Council, Atal Incubation Centre join hands to boost innovation
Varanasi: The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) and the Atal Incubation Centre - Mahamana Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Institute of Management, Banaras Hindu University (AIC-MFIE-IM-BHU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Friday. The MoU was signed by director, UAE-India CEPA Council, Ahmed Aljneibi and professor-in-charge, AIC-MFIE-IM-BHU PV Rajeev. The event marked a significant milestone in UAE-India collaborations, highlighting the growing importance of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as innovation hubs and reaffirming UICC's commitment to expanding its outreach beyond India's metropolitan centres. Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Aljneibi said, "The UAE-India CEPA Start-Up Series is about more than opportunity — it's about access, ambition, and acceleration. Through this initiative, we are positioning the UAE as an international scale-up launchpad for India's most promising next-generation ventures, particularly those emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 innovation hubs." Prof Rajeev said, "This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for our institution and the broader start-up community in Varanasi." It aims to foster youth-led ventures and technology-driven enterprises by enabling cross-border scaling, knowledge exchange, and institutional linkages between India and the UAE. It will also support start-ups from AIC-MFIE-IM-BHU and the wider eastern region in accessing incubation programs, mentorship, investor networks, and fast-track licensing pathways in the UAE. The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) is a dedicated bilateral platform established to advance trade, investment, and innovation under the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The Atal Incubation Centre - Mahamana Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Institute of Management, Banaras Hindu University (AIC-MFIE-IM-BHU) is a premier incubation and innovation hub established under the Atal Innovation Mission of NITI Aayog, govt of India. The signing ceremony was attended by director, Institute of Management, prof Ashish Bajpai, dean, Institute of Management, prof SK Dubey, UAE Embassy in India Latieta Bruce Wairiri and others.


India Gazette
11-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
UAE deepens innovation ties with India through high-impact MoU at Mumbai start-up event
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 11 (ANI): The UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in India, hosted an exclusive Start-up Sundowner at the St Regis Mumbai, an official statement said. The event spotlighted the opportunities for Indian founders and start-ups to participate in the newly launched UAE-India CEPA Start-up Series, a high-impact platform designed to fast-track cross-border growth, collaboration, and market access, the statement said. In his opening remarks, Abdulnasser Alshaali, the UAE Ambassador to India, reaffirmed the UAE's vision for fostering dynamic, innovation-led collaboration between the two nations. He emphasised that India's entrepreneurial energy as a vital force in the bilateral partnership. A highlight of the evening was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UAE-India CEPA Council and the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), the technology business incubator of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). The MoU formalises a partnership to identify and support high-potential start-ups from the SINE ecosystem and alumni network for participation in the Start-up Series. Following the signing, Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, delivered an insightful overview of the Start-up Series, detailing the platform's strategic design to support Indian start-ups in scaling into the UAE. 'The Start-up Series is a another step forward in transforming the UAE-India partnership into a launchpad for next-generation entrepreneurship and cross-border innovation,' Aljneibi said. Guests were then introduced to the official trailer for the UAE-India Start-up Series, which outlined the initiative's vision, opportunities, and roadmap. The video spotlighted the upcoming flagship pitch event in New Delhi, where selected ventures will gain access to an exclusive UAE soft-landing package, including incubation, licensing, mentorship, and investor exposure. The Start-up Series builds on the strong economic momentum between the UAE and India, offering a new platform for start-up-led collaboration. In FY 2023-24, bilateral trade reached USD 83.64 billion, marking a nearly 15 per cent year-on-year increase since the CEPA came into effect. India's non-oil exports to the UAE surged by over 20 per cent, while UAE foreign direct investment (FDI) into India tripled, rising from USD 1.03 billion in FY 2021-22 to USD 3.35 billion in FY 2022-23, making the UAE India's fourth-largest investor, as per the statement. The event was featured live across the UAE-India CEPA Council's social media handles. A post-produced video and event gallery will be published soon on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. (ANI)