FundingFunding opportunities up to ₹10 Lakh through ACIC-VGU schemes
Equity-free Idea AI, SaaS & Enterprise
ClosesAug 15, 2026
Cycle-based Accelerator Equity-free
UAE–India Start-up Series
The UAE–India Start-up Series is a bilateral initiative established under the UAE–India CEPA to help high-potential Indian startups access international markets, build strategic partnerships, and explore business opportunities across the United Arab Emirates through cross-border ecosystem collaboration.
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- Bilateral startup initiative under the UAE–India CEPA.
- Supports international market expansion.
- Facilitates India–UAE startup collaboration.
- Access to UAE innovation ecosystem.
- Business matchmaking and networking.
- Opportunities to connect with investors.
- Collaboration with incubators and accelerators.
- Cross-border partnership opportunities.
- International ecosystem exposure.
- Supports long-term global business growth.
About this scheme
The UAE–India Start-up Series is a bilateral initiative established to promote, support, and connect high-potential Indian startups with meaningful opportunities in the United Arab Emirates and international markets.
Anchored within the framework of the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the programme aims to strengthen cross-border collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship by creating new opportunities for startups, investors, incubators, accelerators, corporates, and ecosystem stakeholders from both countries.
The initiative is a direct implementation of Article 13.2 of the UAE–India CEPA, which encourages closer cooperation between startup ecosystems, incubators, accelerators, and other institutions supporting entrepreneurship.
Through structured programmes, networking opportunities, business engagements, and international collaborations, participating startups gain exposure to the UAE innovation ecosystem, connect with strategic partners, explore market-entry opportunities, and build long-term business relationships. The programme also facilitates collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders, investors, and startup support organizations to encourage cross-border innovation and sustainable economic growth.
The UAE–India Start-up Series represents the shared vision of India and the UAE to strengthen entrepreneurship, innovation, and global startup collaboration between the two countries.
Who can apply
- Indian startups with high growth potential.
- Innovative startups seeking international expansion.
- Startups interested in entering the UAE market.
- Founders looking to build cross-border partnerships.
- Startups aligned with innovation and entrepreneurship objectives.
Benefits & funding
Headline support
No direct funding. Market access, partnerships and international expansion support.
- International market access support.
- Exposure to the UAE startup ecosystem.
- Networking with investors and corporates.
- Business partnership opportunities.
- Collaboration with incubators and accelerators.
- Cross-border ecosystem connections.
- International visibility.
- Strategic market-entry opportunities.
- Innovation ecosystem engagement.
- Global expansion support.
How the application process works
The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with UAE–India CEPA Council, in your own name.
- 1
Monitor announcements from the UAE–India CEPA Council regarding upcoming editions of the UAE–India Start-up Series.
- 2
Review the eligibility criteria and programme objectives published for the respective cohort or startup engagement.
- 3
Complete the official online application form with details about your startup, founders, innovation, and international expansion plans.
- 4
Submit all required information and supporting documents before the application deadline.
- 5
Applications are evaluated by the programme organizers based on innovation potential, business readiness, and suitability for international collaboration.
- 6
Shortlisted startups may be invited for further interactions, screening sessions, or programme-specific evaluations.
- 7
Selected startups participate in programme activities, networking sessions, business engagements, and cross-border ecosystem initiatives across India and the UAE.
Want a second pair of eyes before you submit?IncorpX provides assistance for structuring proposals and organising the paperwork this process expects.
Documents checklist 7
- Startup profile
- Founder details
- Company registration documents (if applicable)
- Pitch deck
- Business overview
- Product or service information
- Additional documents requested during evaluation
Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.
Official application
Ready to apply? Get the official link
Applications are submitted directly with UAE–India CEPA Council, in your own name. Share a few details and we will point you to the official application portal and help you prepare a complete submission.
Here is the official application link
Apply in your own name with UAE–India CEPA Council. Want a second pair of eyes before you submit? An IncorpX advisor can help you prepare.
Open the official applicationFrequently asked questions
What is the UAE–India Start-up Series?
The UAE–India Start-up Series is a bilateral initiative established under the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to connect high-potential Indian startups with business opportunities in the UAE and international markets.
Who can apply for the UAE–India Start-up Series?
High-potential Indian startups seeking international expansion, strategic partnerships, and access to the UAE market are encouraged to apply.
Does the UAE–India Start-up Series provide funding?
No. The programme primarily focuses on international market access, ecosystem collaboration, networking, and business opportunities rather than direct financial grants.
What support does the UAE–India Start-up Series offer?
Participating startups receive opportunities for international networking, ecosystem access, strategic partnerships, market-entry support, and collaboration with investors, incubators, accelerators, and industry stakeholders.
What is the objective of the UAE–India Start-up Series?
The initiative aims to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurship collaboration between India and the UAE in line with Article 13.2 of the UAE–India CEPA.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee has been specified by the programme.
Important disclaimer
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
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