Open Call: European Pavilion at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 — EIC invites funded innovators to apply
- ›The European Innovation Council invites EIC-funded companies to apply for a place at the European Pavilion at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai from 13 to 18 October 2024.
- ›Application deadline is 24 April 2024 and applicants must submit a 4-slide pitch deck as part of the process.
- ›Eligible participants are EIC-funded startups, SMEs and scaleups working in AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, mobility, robotics or sustainable tech.
- ›Selection will evaluate market potential in the Middle East, internationalisation plans, fit with the trade fair, resource commitment and contribution to EU strategic autonomy or the EU technology image.
- ›The activity is run under the EIC International Trade Fairs and USA Soft-landing Programme 3.0 which supports commercialisation and international expansion.
Join the European Pavilion at GITEX GLOBAL 2024
The European Innovation Council is running an open call for EIC-funded companies to exhibit at the European Pavilion at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The pavilion runs from 13 to 18 October 2024. The call is supported by the EIC International Trade Fairs and USA Soft-landing Programme 3.0 and aims to help European innovators access business opportunities in the Middle East market.
What GITEX GLOBAL offers and what to temper expectations about
The EIC text accompanying the call uses promotional language about inspiration and breakthrough launches. Companies should view the pavilion as a market entry tool that can accelerate contacts and visibility. Converting those contacts into customers or partners requires targeted preparation, a clear follow-up plan and realistic resource allocation for post-event business development.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants are companies that have received EIC support. The call targets startups, scaleups and SMEs from EU Member States and Associated Countries that are working on market-ready innovations in selected technology areas.
Selection criteria and application requirements
Applications will be assessed primarily on the applicant's potential in the Middle East market and on readiness to use the trade fair to advance internationalisation. Applicants must provide clear information on strategy, expected impact and resources. The selection process includes desk review by external experts and interviews for shortlisted applicants.
| Milestone | Date / Detail | Notes |
| Call published | 21 March 2024 | EIC Community announcement |
| Application deadline | 24 April 2024 | Applicants must submit the online form and 4-slide pitch deck by this date |
| Event dates | 13 to 18 October 2024 | European Pavilion at GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, UAE |
| Selection process | Desk review, external experts, shortlisted interviews | Interviews include a member of the investment team |
About the EIC International Trade Fairs and USA Soft-landing Programme 3.0
ITF 3.0 is positioned as an end-to-end service. It includes pre-departure market briefings, coaching on cultural and intellectual property matters, B2B matchmaking, on-site networking support and follow-up mechanisms to build partnerships after the event. The programme lists success stories from previous fairs such as CES and MWC where participants reported deals and sales growth. Those examples are valuable but they do not guarantee similar results for all participants. Outcomes depend on product fit, sales cycle length, local demand and the resources companies commit to follow-up.
Practicalities, risks and obligations
How to apply and where to ask questions
The online application is available through the EIC Community platform. Applicants must follow the application instructions and upload the required 4-slide pitch deck. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews. For questions, contact the EIC Community Helpdesk and select the category EVENT- EIC ITF Programme - GITEX 2024.
Contact and legal note
Contact the EIC Community Helpdesk via the EIC Community platform for procedural questions. The information in the call notice is provided for knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission or other bodies. Applicants should consult official EIC documentation and terms when preparing submissions.
Practical tip for applicants. Prepare the 4-slide deck to show product-market fit for the Middle East, a concise customer acquisition plan, realistic milestones for the next 12 months and the specific resources you will commit to the trade fair. Use the selection criteria as a checklist to frame your application. Expect that visibility at a large fair can open doors but that closing sales will typically require structured post-event engagement.