Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has unveiled a series of new programs and strategic partnerships during its flagship Impact Event 2025. Held under the theme “Impactful Momentum,” the event highlighted significant collaborations across government, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the emirate’s ambition to become a leading global startup hub. The ecosystem also announced an enhanced Incentive Program, now providing startups with up to AED 750,000 in cash and in-kind incentives.
Launching Initiate for Early-Stage Founders
Hub71 announced the launch of Initiate, a new program designed to empower early-stage founders to transform bold ideas into viable products. In partnership with global venture builders SC Ventures and VentureOne, Initiate will provide hands-on expertise to validate concepts, structure business models, and prepare founders for scaling. This program aims to provide the foundational support startups need before securing seed investment, establishing an end-to-end pathway from ideation to a market-ready company within Abu Dhabi.
Expanding the Hub71+ AI Ecosystem
To further accelerate Abu Dhabi’s technological leadership, Hub71 has expanded its specialist Hub71+ AI ecosystem. The platform has added 15 new strategic partners to its network, which now includes 24 investors, corporates, and government entities. Notable additions include the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and BECO Capital as Anchor Partners. This expansion directly supports Abu Dhabi’s objective to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027 and strengthens its position as a global testbed for responsible and applied AI innovation.
New Strategic Partnerships for Growth and Funding
Hub71 revealed several key partnerships with leading Abu Dhabi institutions to broaden access to pilot projects, capital, and entrepreneurial support. An agreement with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) integrates the Anjal Z initiative into Hub71’s Access Programme. This will provide five seats in Cohort 19 and AED 3 million in pilot funding from ECA for startups developing early-childhood solutions. Additionally, a partnership with Numou, an ADGM subsidiary, will give startups easier access to working capital through the Procurement Financing initiative, designed to improve liquidity and accelerate SME growth.
Fostering Global Connections
Underscoring its international focus, Hub71 welcomed eight leading Web3 startups from Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi as part of its Hub71 x Hong Kong Immersion Programme. This initiative links Abu Dhabi with other prominent tech hubs and reinforces the emirate’s role as a cross-border gateway for international startups seeking to expand into the Middle East. Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, commented, “The launches we announced today reflect how far we have come in our mission to expand opportunities for founders and entrepreneurs and how we are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a platform for technology growth.”
About Hub71
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs, investors, and partners to foster innovation and drive economic growth. It provides a platform for startups to access capital, commercial opportunities, and a supportive community, enabling them to scale and succeed from the UAE capital.
Source: Zawya
