Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, Hub71, has enhanced its Incentive Program, now providing startups with up to AED 750,000 in cash and in-kind incentives. This move aims to deliver greater value for disruptive tech companies joining its fast-growing community and further solidifies the emirate’s position as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship and technology.
A Thriving Digital Economy
Hub71 is now home to nearly 300 startups that have collectively raised over AED 9 billion in funding and generated revenues exceeding AED 5 billion. These figures highlight the vitality of Abu Dhabi’s digital economy and its emergence as one of the fastest-growing startup markets in the MENA region.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem is focused on international expansion through innovative programs and strategic partnerships. He noted recent efforts, including a startup integration program in Hong Kong, are designed to strengthen growth pathways for resident startups.
“The ecosystem focuses on sectors shaping the future, such as artificial intelligence, climate technology, and digital assets, in addition to the newly launched Hub71+ Life Sciences cluster,” Alwan stated. “These fields are witnessing rising global demand and offer significant growth opportunities. Therefore, Hub71 aims to empower ambitious founders to transform their ideas into global success stories starting from Abu Dhabi.”
Spotlight On Ecosystem Success Stories
Several startups within the ecosystem are already demonstrating significant traction and global ambition.
In FinTech, Aurem, which joined Hub71 earlier this year, has raised $7 million in total funding. Michael Watkins, co-founder and CEO, highlighted the company’s AI-driven “Workflow Builder,” a tool that enables financial institutions to create complex databases and workflows in a fraction of the time required by traditional systems.
Vivan Therapeutics, a cancer-treatment company in the biotechnology sector, has raised over £4.6 million in capital and secured £3.7 million in global research grants. Founder and CEO Laura Towart confirmed the company is establishing laboratories in Abu Dhabi to collaborate with local medical centers, praising the emirate’s flexible regulatory environment for enabling the swift deployment of its innovative therapies.
Also in FinTech, Mansa has raised $10 million from global investors and achieved over $250 million in transaction volume. Abhinav Mehta, founder and CEO, credited Hub71’s support in building pivotal partnerships with public and private entities as a key factor in the growth of its digital liquidity solutions.
Demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s appeal to international talent, industrial tech company Monit recently relocated from Pakistan to Hub71 to target Gulf markets. Founder and CEO Mustafa Jafri said the company, which uses AI and IoT to prevent accidents in hazardous work environments, has generated $3 million in revenue and is seeking an additional $3 million to establish a local assembly line for regional export.
About Hub71
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem that enables founders to build globally enduring homegrown tech companies in any sector by providing access to a global network of partners, a community of exceptional talent, and a progressive regulatory environment. Backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, Hub71 is growing its vibrant community of tech startups, investors, government, and corporate partners to ensure access to the tools and resources founders need to succeed.
Source: Zawya
