The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai, UAE, is organizing the Sri Lanka pavilion at GITEX Expand North Star from October 13 to 16, 2024. This initiative will feature a range of activities, including business meetings, networking sessions, and field visits across Dubai, aimed at showcasing Sri Lankan innovation and fostering international partnerships.

GITEX is renowned as one of the leading technology and engineering events in the MENA and Asian regions and has garnered global attention for its expansive platform that attracts visitors from all corners of the world. Recently rebranded as GITEX Global, the event has further broadened its scope, extending its reach to Europe and Africa.

The EDB has a long standing history of participating in GITEX, having organized the Sri Lanka country pavilion since 2008, except 2013 and 2018. The 2023 edition of GITEX attracted over 170,000 attendees and featured more than 6,000 exhibitors from over 180 countries, with 24 conference streams covering a diverse array of tech themes.

The 2024 GITEX event will focus on nine key technology themes: AI, Telecom, Cybersecurity, Future Mobility, Coders/Developers, Metaverse, YouthX, Sustainability, and CTO World Congress. The event will showcase at nine co-locations, including GITEX Global, AI Everything, GITEX Impact, Future Urbanism, GLOBAL Devslam, Expand North Star, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania. GITEX Global will run from October 14 to 18, with these co-located events occurring simultaneously.

GITEX Expand Northstar, a key part of GITEX Global, stands as the world’s largest investor programme. It offers a unique platform for investors to broaden their networks, explore cutting-edge technology trends, and engage with a diverse array of high-quality startups. The programme will also feature matchmaking opportunities to connect SMEs and startups with potential partners and investors.

For the first time, EDB is organizing the Sri Lankan’s participation in GITEX Expand North Star, aiming to support ten SMEs/startups in this prestigious investor programme. The initiative is designed to enhance Sri Lankan companies' visibility and facilitate their expansion into the international market.

In addition to the pavilion and business meetings at Dubai Harbour, where the GITEX North Star is showcased, the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai, Sri Lankan Business Council in UAE and the Sri Lanka IT Professionals’ Association in UAE are collaborating with the EDB to organize a comprehensive programme. This includes a visit to the GITEX Global trade exhibition, participation in a one day networking event, and visits to startup incubators in Dubai to foster connections and business opportunities.

With these efforts, the EDB and its partners aim to strengthen Sri Lanka's growing reputation as a center for technological innovation and business on the global stage.

This year 10 Sri Lankan ICT companies/startups will participate at the GITEX Expand North Star event and their details as follows.