“EXPAND NORTH STAR 2025” Kicks Off in Dubai – Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Visits the Serbia Pavilion

The world’s largest event for startups and investors, EXPAND NORTH STAR 2025, officially opened today in Dubai. The National Pavilion of Serbia, showcasing more than 20 Serbian startups, was visited by Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, son of Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who met with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) and Serbian innovative companies.

As part of this event, held under the umbrella of GITEX GLOBAL, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, ensuring Serbia’s participation in the world-leading tech fair in 2026. The MoU was signed by Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, and Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of GITEX GLOBAL and Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre. This partnership represents a continuation of Serbia’s strategic positioning on the global tech scene and marks a significant step forward in the internationalization of the country’s IT and innovation sectors.

During the opening day, CCIS President Marko Čadež visited Serbian startups at the national pavilion, met with founders and team members, and expressed support for their efforts to reach new markets and connect with investors.

“Serbian startups have a lot to offer the world — knowledge, innovation, and the courage to step onto the global stage. This is a great opportunity not only to showcase their products and ideas but also to gain new partners, investors, and friends from across the globe. Our presence here is not accidental — it’s the result of continuous work on internationalization and Serbia’s recognition as a technology hub of this part of Europe,” said Čadež after touring the pavilion.

The CCIS President also met with Mohammed Lootah, President and CEO of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, to discuss future cooperation between the two business associations.

A highlight of the very first day came with the news that Serbian startup Baby FM advanced to the semifinals of the prestigious Supernova Challenge, ranking among the top 100 startups worldwide.

Baby FM, a member of the Serbian delegation, has developed a wearable device for continuous and real-time body temperature monitoring with predictive analytics. This clinically precise device utilizes artificial intelligence for early infection detection, supporting parents and pediatricians in making informed health decisions. Beyond pediatrics, Baby FM is expanding its innovation into the veterinary field with Pet FM — a smart wearable device for pet health monitoring, currently being tested in Serbia and California in cooperation with Rise Pet Health.

EXPAND NORTH STAR serves as a unique platform connecting startups with investors, corporate partners, and the media, offering companies the opportunity to access new markets, attract investment, and position themselves as leaders in their industries.

This year’s edition, EXPAND NORTH STAR 2025, features a broad range of innovations and technological solutions, with participating startups covering key sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, healthtech, edtech, mobile apps, e-commerce, climate tech, agritech, gaming, blockchain, and Web3.

GITEX GLOBAL 2025 officially begins tomorrow, with Serbia as the partner country.

Photo: Boban Ristić, CCIS