New Delhi, 4 September 2025 — In a significant leap forward for cross-border innovation collaboration, the India-UAE Startup Exchange was unveiled today at a high-level entrepreneurship dialogue held at the residence of H.E. Abdulnasser Alshaali, PhD, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to India. The high-profile event brought together 40 startups incubated by the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi, setting the stage for enhanced global scaling opportunities across multiple sectors.
A Premier Platform to Scale and Expand
Ambassador Alshaali hosted the event with personal engagement in each participating venture, underlining the UAE’s readiness as a vital global gateway for Indian innovation. The dialogue served as a strategic platform for startups to explore pathways for scaling businesses, capturing market opportunities, building investor confidence, and leveraging UAE Embassy support for international expansion.
Dr. Nikhil Agarwal, Managing Director of FITT, IIT Delhi, highlighted the developmental synergy between India and the UAE. He emphasized that leveraging initiatives like the Ministry of External Affairs and the CEPA Council is vital to enabling startups to capture opportunities in the UAE market. These collaborative dialogues, he noted, provide tangible means to achieve innovation-driven growth.
FITT stands at the heart of India’s deep-tech ecosystem, translating academic research into real-world, scalable solutions. By fostering entrepreneurship and strategic partnerships, FITT supports ventures with global ambitions — bridging Indian ingenuity with international markets like the UAE.
Startups from Diverse Sectors Show Promise
The dialogue spotlighted a vibrant cohort of 40 FITT-incubated startups, showcasing innovation across a broad spectrum of sectors:
- Technology & AI: Divergence AI Pvt Ltd, CYRAN AI Solutions, Tensor Dynamics
- Mobility & Robotics: Vjaitra Air Mobility, Exobot Dynamics Pvt Ltd, NXTMile Mobility
- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Exonova Lifesciences, BioSky Space Innovations
- Environment & Sustainability: EmergY Enviro Pvt Ltd, Nanoclean Global Pvt Ltd
- Other Pioneering Ventures: Nirmalya, Baud Resources, Ayukriyam Innovations Pvt Ltd, Fabiosys Innovations Pvt Ltd, Gunsutra Pvt Ltd, Indigotex Pvt Ltd, Fruvetech Pvt Ltd, Tech at Play, VyomOS, Carnot Research Pvt Ltd, Cluix Pvt Ltd, Surface Moto, Aaizel International Technologies Pvt Ltd
Each startup presented a unique proposition — from AI-driven problem-solving and cutting-edge robotics to life sciences breakthroughs and sustainable technologies. The interaction with Ambassador Alshaali provided these entrepreneurs with direct exposure and the opportunity to align their innovations with global market needs.
Introducing the India-UAE Startup Exchange
The centerpiece of the event was the formal announcement of the India-UAE Startup Exchange initiative. Under this program, five deserving Indian startups will receive comprehensive incubation support in the UAE. This includes mentorship, strategic networking, and tailored facilitation to scale operations internationally — a pivotal boost for deep-tech startups aiming for a global footprint.
By intertwining India’s deep-tech potential with the UAE’s entrepreneurial and economic ecosystem, the Startup Exchange embodies FITT’s core mission: transforming research-driven ventures into globally competitive enterprises.
Strengthening Bilateral Innovation Ties
FITT extended its appreciation to Ambassador Alshaali and the UAE Embassy for their visionary support. The foundation also applauded all participating innovators for their active contributions to a productive, forward-looking dialogue.
This launch underscores the escalating momentum of the India-UAE partnership in entrepreneurship and innovation, carving out a definitive roadmap for startups to expand globally, drive impact, and forge long-term value.
About FITT, IIT Delhi
The Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT) at IIT Delhi acts as the premier interface between academia and industry. It accelerates the commercialization of scientific research, fuels entrepreneurial incubation, and connects Indian startups—especially in deep-tech—to global markets. Through strategic alliances, mentorship, and incubation frameworks, FITT empowers ventures with international aspirations to scale successfully.
About the India-UAE Startup Exchange
The India-UAE Startup Exchange is a pioneering initiative designed to bridge the innovation ecosystems of India and the UAE. It offers selected Indian startups tailored incubation support in the UAE, including strategic guidance, investor connections, and access to rapidly growing regional markets. This program aims to catalyze tech-driven solutions with global scalability and set a model for enhanced bilateral cooperation in entrepreneurship.
