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UAE–India CEPA Council Launches ‘Start-up Series’ to Power Cross-Border Innovation.

International | Dated: 27 Jun 2025

On 24 June 2025, the UAE–India CEPA Council (UICC), in partnership with the UAE Embassy in India, launched the first-ever “UAE–India CEPA Start‑up Series” in New Delhi. Backed by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), this initiative aims to help 5 selected Indian start‑ups scale globally through UAE ecosystem support.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The Start-up Series is a key CEPA deliverable, designed to foster innovation-led trade and help Indian start‑ups internationalise by providing access to UAE investors, licensing, and ecosystem support—solidifying innovation cooperation under the bilateral trade pact.
  • - Held at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, the event was led by UAE Ambassador Dr Abdulnasser Alshaali, who emphasized that “start-ups are central to the UAE–India economic corridor,” reinforcing the UAE’s strategic focus on entrepreneurship.
  • - The programme culminates in a high-profile pitch event in New Delhi where five Indian start‑ups will receive UAE soft‑landing packages—including incubation, mentorship, licensing, and access to UAE free-zone investors.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) MoUs were signed with institutions like PRIME Meghalaya, IDEATE Lab at O.P. Jindal Global University, and Jamia Hamdard, to support regional innovation exchanges, research partnerships, and entrepreneurship across states.
  • (ii) India-UAE trade has surged—FY 2023–24 trade hit USD 83.6 billion, non-oil exports rose 20%, and UAE FDI in India tripled to USD 3.35 billion, making it India’s 4th largest foreign investor.
  • (iii) Applications are open till 31 July 2025 via the CEPA Start-up Series microsite. Over 100 investors, corporates, and ecosystem players attended the launch, signaling strong cross-border engagement.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

What is the name of the initiative recently launched by the UAE–India CEPA Council to promote cross-border innovation and support Indian start-ups?

Correct Answer: Start-up Series

🚀 Quick Recap:

About UAE

  • Capital: Abu Dhabi
  • President: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan