NewKerala.com

Emirates NBD Backs Indian Start-ups: 10,000 Apply for Global Expansion Boost

Emirates NBD has teamed up with the UAE-India CEPA Council to support Indian start-ups in going global. The partnership has already attracted massive interest with over 10,000 applications from Indian entrepreneurs. The initiative will shortlist 20 ventures to pitch in New Delhi next year, with five winners establishing UAE presence. This collaboration strengthens economic ties between the UAE and India while providing a launchpad for innovative Indian businesses.

Key Points: Emirates NBD UAE-India CEPA Council Support Indian Start-ups

  • Partnership creates stronger platform for Indian entrepreneurs' global expansion
  • Initiative combines India's innovation with UAE's international market reach
  • Over 10,000 Indian start-ups applied since June program launch
  • Emirates NBD provides soft-landing package for top winning start-up in UAE
2 min read

Emirates NBD and UAE-India CEPA Council to back Indian start-ups' global expansion

Emirates NBD partners with UAE-India CEPA Council to help Indian start-ups expand globally, with 10,000 applications received for the landmark initiative.

"India's start-ups are among the most dynamic in the world. At Emirates NBD, we are proud to strengthen our role as a launchpad for global scale innovation. - Marwan Hadi, Emirates NBD"

Dubai, October 29

Emirates NBD, a leading banking group in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkiye (MENAT) region, has joined forces with the UAE-India CEPA Council to power its landmark UAE-India Start-up Series, an official statement said.

The collaboration creates a stronger platform for Indian entrepreneurs to expand globally. The initiative combines India's innovation ecosystem with the UAE's international reach to help high-potential start-ups scale beyond borders. The platform has generated exceptional interest, with more than 10,000 Indian start-ups applying to participate since the initiative launched in June.

The partnership was formalised in Dubai with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, and Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the CEPA Council.

As part of the initiative, Emirates NBD has committed to supporting one of the top five winning start-ups in the series by providing and sponsoring a comprehensive soft-landing package in the UAE.

Commenting on this commitment, Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, noted: "India's start-ups are among the most dynamic in the world. At Emirates NBD, we are proud to strengthen our role as a launchpad for global scale innovation by supporting this initiative. By combining our financial expertise with the opportunities created under CEPA, we are empowering founders with the support and confidence to take their ideas beyond borders."

Remarking on the success of the UAE-India Start-up Series and the significance of Emirates NBD's partnership, Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India CEPA Council, said: "The energy and ambition of Indian founders have been remarkable. This initiative is about transforming that drive into global impact. With Emirates NBD's partnership, we can channel ideas into opportunities and give start-ups a genuine springboard into international markets."

This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of the UAE and India to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the Start-up Series, 20 high-potential ventures will be shortlisted to pitch in New Delhi in November 2025, with five selected to establish a presence in the UAE. The initiative offers a launchpad for promising Indian start-ups to connect with partners, access global markets, and scale internationally through the UAE's dynamic business ecosystem, as per the statement.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
10,000 applications already? That shows the hunger and potential of Indian startups. The soft-landing package from Emirates NBD could be a game-changer for the winners. Hope this initiative focuses on Tier-2 city startups too, not just the usual Bangalore/Delhi ones.
A
Arjun K
The UAE-India relationship keeps getting stronger! CEPA has been a blessing for trade, and now extending it to startups is brilliant. This could help our unicorns become global champions. Jai Hind! 🙏
S
Sarah B
While this sounds promising, I hope the selection process is transparent and merit-based. Sometimes these initiatives end up favoring well-connected startups rather than the most innovative ones. The proof will be in the actual results.
V
Vikram M
As an NRI in Dubai, I've seen how welcoming the UAE is to Indian businesses. This partnership will make the transition much smoother for our startups. The banking support from Emirates NBD is crucial - setting up accounts and financial services can be challenging otherwise.
A
Ananya R
Wonderful initiative! The timing is perfect as Indian startups are really coming into their own. The UAE's tax benefits and global connectivity will help them compete internationally. Hope to see many success stories emerge from this collaboration! ✨

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50