From India to UAE: Why 10,000 Startups Rushed for CEPA Chance?
The UAE-India CEPA Start-up Series has been making waves in the startup ecosystem, attracting a staggering 10,000 Indian entrepreneurs in just six weeks since its launch on June 24, 2025. This remarkable response is a testament to the immense potential for growth and collaboration between the two nations. The initiative, which offers five winners a fully funded UAE soft-landing package, aims to boost trade, innovation, and startup collaboration between India and the UAE.
So, what’s behind this unprecedented rush? Let’s delve into the reasons behind this extraordinary response.
Unlimited Opportunities
The UAE-India CEPA Start-up Series presents an unparalleled opportunity for Indian startups to tap into the UAE’s thriving market. With a population of over 9.5 million and a GDP exceeding $400 billion, the UAE offers a vast and lucrative market for startups to expand their reach. The CEPA agreement, signed in 2024, has eliminated tariffs on over 1,000 products and services, creating a favorable trade environment for startups to grow and thrive.
In addition, the UAE’s Business Parks and Free Zones offer a unique ecosystem for startups, providing access to world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a highly skilled workforce. The country’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship has created a fertile ground for startups to flourish, with many success stories already emerging.
Access to Global Markets
The UAE’s strategic location at the crossroads of East and West makes it an ideal hub for startups looking to expand into global markets. The country’s proximity to major markets in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East provides Indian startups with unparalleled access to these regions. The CEPA Start-up Series offers startups the opportunity to leverage the UAE’s trade agreements with over 70 countries, further expanding their global reach.
Funding and Support
The fully funded UAE soft-landing package offered by the CEPA Start-up Series provides Indian startups with a unique opportunity to access funding and support. The package includes a comprehensive range of benefits, including office space, business registration, and access to local networks. This support enables startups to focus on their core operations, rather than worrying about the logistics of setting up in a new market.
Novel Business Models
The CEPA Start-up Series is not just about expanding into new markets; it’s also about exploring novel business models. The initiative encourages Indian startups to develop innovative solutions that cater to the UAE’s growing demand for digital transformation, sustainability, and healthcare. This presents an exciting opportunity for startups to create new products and services that can be adapted to the UAE market.
Why October Matters
The final selections for the CEPA Start-up Series are set for October, with the winners receiving their fully funded UAE soft-landing package. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for these selected startups, as they embark on a journey of growth and expansion in the UAE. The incubation program, set to begin in November, will provide these startups with the necessary support and resources to succeed in the UAE market.
Conclusion
The UAE-India CEPA Start-up Series has sent shockwaves through the startup ecosystem, attracting an unprecedented 10,000 Indian entrepreneurs in just six weeks. The initiative’s unlimited opportunities, access to global markets, funding and support, and novel business models have created a perfect storm of excitement and enthusiasm. As the final selections approach, it’s clear that the CEPA Start-up Series has the potential to revolutionize the startup landscape, fostering a new era of innovation and collaboration between India and the UAE.
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