Dubai-based global innovation partner AGCC, in collaboration with the DMCC AI Centre and the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, has announced the three winners of the ‘Expand in Dubai Startup Competition 2025’. The winning companies—Team Monolith, Hudson AI, and Itone—were selected during the ‘Try Everything’ global startup festival in Seoul on September 11, 2025. This initiative is part of a strategic effort to attract high-potential international startups to establish and scale their operations within Dubai’s vibrant tech hub.
A Gateway To The Dubai Market
The three South Korean startups were awarded a comprehensive prize package valued at over $50,000, specifically designed to facilitate a smooth landing and rapid growth in Dubai. The package includes crucial market-entry support, such as company incorporation at the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) and participation in an AGCC market-entry acceleration program. To further boost their visibility and networking opportunities, the winners will also receive a complimentary exhibition booth at the upcoming Expand North Star event, with travel and accommodation supported by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
Strengthening Global Tech Bridges
The competition highlights Dubai’s proactive strategy to build robust bridges between its ecosystem and other global innovation hubs like Seoul. By hosting the competition at South Korea’s premier startup festival, Dubai’s key ecosystem players directly engaged with a pool of cutting-edge tech companies. The initiative not only provides a launchpad for the winning startups but also strengthens the economic and technological ties between the UAE and South Korea, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading destination for global talent and innovation. The winning teams are expected to be hosted in Dubai this October.
About AGCC
AGCC is a global innovation partner headquartered in the United Arab Emirates with international offices in Berlin and Seoul. The firm focuses on fostering and scaling innovation across the globe, with a particular emphasis on transformative technologies like AI and deep tech. AGCC delivers strategic insights and partnerships to help startups, corporates, and ecosystems turn visionary ideas into measurable impact and scale breakthrough innovations to global markets.
Source: AGCC
