Hub71, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), invites applications for the Anjal Z programme. This initiative supports startups focused on early childhood development to localize, validate, and scale their solutions in Abu Dhabi.
At a Glance
- Opportunity Type: Accelerator Program
- For: Pre-Seed to Series A startups in early childhood development
- Key Benefits: Up to AED 500,000 in funding and incentives, pilot opportunities with government partners, and ecosystem access
- Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Accelerator Program Overview
The ECA Anjal Z x Hub71 programme is a dedicated pathway for startups transforming early childhood outcomes for children aged 0-8. Led by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the program empowers founders to embed their solutions locally, demonstrate impact, and scale with confidence from Abu Dhabi to regional and global markets. The program focuses on challenges across health & nutrition, early care & education, child protection, and family support.
Key Benefits
- Government and Pilot Partnerships: Direct collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority and full pilot funding.
- Market Entry and Ecosystem Access: Integration into Hub71’s network of investors, corporates, and mentors.
- Capital and Incentives: Up to AED 500,000 per startup, combining cash funding and in-kind incentives.
- Operational Support: Access to vetted service providers across legal, marketing, and HR.
- Localization and Scaling Support: Tailored guidance to embed solutions in Abu Dhabi and prepare for regional expansion.
Eligibility Criteria
- Stage: Startups from Pre-Seed to Series A.
- Sector: Focused on early childhood development, addressing challenges for children from pregnancy through age eight.
- Product: Startups should have a product beyond the ideation stage (e.g., MVP, pre-revenue, or generating revenue).
- Commitment: At least one co-founder must be willing to live in or relocate to Abu Dhabi.
Program Structure
The program is structured in several phases to support growth:
- Launch and Alignment: Defining strategic objectives and impact metrics.
- Market Readiness: Navigating Abu Dhabi’s regulatory and early childhood ecosystem.
- Partner and Pilot Engagement: Securing pilot projects and partnerships.
- Growth and Investment: Focusing on fundraising, commercial traction, and team scaling.
- Showcase and Momentum: Participating in demo days and investor events.
How to Apply
Ready to scale your early childhood development startup? Apply now through the official application portal. The deadline for applications is February 28, 2026.
Apply here for the ECA Anjal Z x Hub71 Programme
About Hub71 and ECA
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem that enables founders to build globally enduring technology companies. Anjal Z is an early childhood development innovation program led by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), empowering global founders to localize, validate, and scale impactful solutions for young children and families.
Learn More: ECA Anjal Z x Hub71 programme
