Within the Deep Tech MEA ecosystem powered by GIE, and held at GITEX North Star.
Designed to spotlight deep tech startups – grounded in scientific breakthroughs, complex engineering, or new technologies.
Should have secured early-stage funding or shown measurable market traction.
Strategic Visibility, Global
Access, Regional Scale
Dubai is emerging as a global hub for deep tech – AI, quantum, biotech, clean energy. Acts as a sandbox for experimental and disruptive ideas with investment in tech transfer, future economy, and innovation clusters Perfect entry point to expand across the GCC, Africa, Asia, being a part of the ecosystem offers:
One-month tailored support to prepare for your pitch and refine your strategy. Mentors may include global and local startup founders, VCs, angel investors, corporate innovation leaders, deep tech subject-matter experts, researchers.
The main topics will be included:
Awards and Recognition
Top finalists receive:
4th June 2025
15 th Aug 2025
1 st Sep 2025
5 st Sep 2025
4ᵗʰ June 2025
The application process officially begins. Submit your idea to join the competition.
15ᵗʰ Aug 2025
Final day to apply. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the competition.
16ᵗʰ Aug – 30ᵗʰ Aug 2025
Participants receive feedback from mentors.
6ᵗʰ Sep 2025
Submit your final version for review after completing the mentorship phase.
8ᵗʰ Sep 2025
Winners will be announced and recognized for their outstanding work.
The Canada Edition of the Deep Tech Geeks Startups Competition is part of the global Deep Tech MEA initiative, designed to identify, spotlight, and support the most promising deep tech startups from Canada’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
This edition is proudly powered in strategic partnership with Velocity, Canada’s leading innovation hub for tech entrepreneurs and scalable startups.
This competition is dedicated to ventures rooted in scientific breakthroughs, advanced engineering, and disruptive technologies that have the potential to transform industries and address global challenges.
Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships & Global Growth at WatSPEED, University of Waterloo
The UAE Edition of the Deep Tech Geeks Startups Competition is sponsored by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for SMEs, offering UAE-based startups a gateway to funding, visibility, and global recognition.
Selected Emirati winners will also gain conditioned access to Dubai SME’s services:
The Saudi Arabia Edition of the Deep Tech Geeks Startups Competition is part of the global Deep Tech MEA initiative, designed to identify, spotlight, and support the most promising deep tech startups from Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing innovation ecosystem.
This edition is proudly powered in strategic partnership with KACST (King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology), the Kingdom’s leading national research and development institution, advancing science, technology, and innovation.
This competition is dedicated to ventures rooted in scientific breakthroughs, advanced engineering, and disruptive technologies that have the potential to transform industries and address global challenges.
30ᵗʰ Aug 2025
The application process officially begins. Submit your idea to join the competition.
12ᵗʰ Sep 2025
Submit your final pitch deck.
15ᵗʰ Sep 2025
Winners will be announced and recognized for their outstanding work.
30th Aug 2025
12th Sep 2025
15th Sep 2025
The Latin America Edition of the Deep Tech Geeks Startups Competition is part of the global Deep Tech MEA initiative, designed to identify, spotlight, and support the most promising deep tech startups from across Latin America’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
This edition is powered through strategic collaborations with leading regional innovation hubs, universities, and entrepreneurship networks dedicated to advancing technology-driven ventures.
The competition is dedicated to ventures rooted in scientific breakthroughs, advanced engineering, and disruptive technologies with the potential to transform industries and address global challenges, while showcasing the unique talent and creativity emerging from Latin America.
2 September 2025
16 September 2025
17 September 2025
18 September 2025
2nd Sep 2025
16th Sep 2025
17th Sep 2025
18th Sep 2025
Deep Tech Geeks Startups Competition is the ultimate gateway for cutting-edge startups solving real-world challenges. Hosted by Deep Tech MEA, this annual competition connects visionary founders with global investors, policymakers, researchers, and ecosystem builders. Whether you’re leveraging AI, robotics, biotech, quantum computing, new materials, or advanced manufacturing, this is your platform to shine.
Any scale up startup that: Is developing a solution based on advanced or emerging technologies Operates in sectors such as AI, biotech, cleantech, robotics, IoT, cybersecurity, quantum computing, etc.
Scale-up startups that have already secured initial funding and are looking to scale
Top 3 winners receive free or discounted pods at GITEX North Star, along with accommodation and travel support, Visibility in front of investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders, Tailored mentorship via the Entrepreneurship Clinic, Media exposure, potential funding, and partnership opportunities.
You can apply directly through our website!
Click the Apply Now button and fill out the form with your startup’s details.
Applications close on 15th Aug — don’t miss out!
No, applying is completely free. Selected finalists may receive full or partial sponsorship to participate in GITEX North Star, depending on their placement.
Yes. The finalist startups will be showcasing at Expand North Star (part of GITEX Global) in Dubai. Travel support is provided for the first place winner.
Finalists will receive:
