Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, Hub71, has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) to open applications for the 2026 cohort of the Anjal Z program. The experience-based fellowship is designed to support international startups developing innovative solutions to critical challenges in early childhood development.
This initiative builds upon a strategic agreement signed last year, which integrated the Anjal Z program into a dedicated track within Hub71’s flagship Access program. The partners are inviting seed to growth-stage startups with a focus on areas such as childhood obesity, Arabic literacy skills, and children’s mental health to establish and scale their technologies within Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem.
A Strategic Push for Early Childhood Innovation
Since its inception in 2020, the Anjal Z program has successfully supported over 45 global startups in developing and validating their products in Abu Dhabi. The program has been instrumental in strengthening the emirate’s innovation ecosystem for early childhood development and positioning it as a launchpad for high-potential founders creating impactful technology.
This year, five selected startups will join the Hub71 Access program, receiving dedicated support to accelerate their growth and facilitate the real-world adoption of their solutions in Abu Dhabi.
Comprehensive Support and Funding
Each of the five chosen startups will receive a comprehensive support package valued at AED 500,000. This includes AED 250,000 in non-equity grants and an additional AED 250,000 in exchange for equity through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE).
Beyond the financial backing, the program provides invaluable access to Hub71’s ecosystem, including market access support through its extensive network of government entities, corporate partners, and investors.
Fostering Market Expansion and Impact
In collaboration with the ECA, participating startups will receive guidance to facilitate pilot projects and explore funding pathways. This enables founders to validate the impact of their solutions, build momentum, and enhance their opportunities for market expansion.
Dr. Yousif Al Hammadi, Executive Director of the Knowledge and Impact Sector at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, commented, “Through the Anjal Z program, we support global startups to transform their ideas into a tangible impact that benefits the children and families of Abu Dhabi. The emirate provides promising opportunities for founders who are ready to think ambitiously and operate at scale. Anjal Z doesn’t just provide resources; it unlocks strategic partnerships, connecting companies with industry players, and provides investment opportunities and clear paths to market entry.”
Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, added, “Innovation in early childhood development presents a real opportunity for creating sustainable societal impact. Supporting solutions in this sector requires effective collaboration between key stakeholders and partners to empower founders who are focused on the early stages of human development, which reinforces the launch and growth of innovation from Abu Dhabi.”
Hub71 will lead the selection process, with the ECA participating in evaluation stages to ensure the final cohort aligns with Abu Dhabi’s priorities for early childhood. Both entities will monitor the startups’ progress for up to three years post-program to support sustainable outcomes and long-term value creation.
Applications for the 2026 cohort will close on February 28th.
About Anjal Z
The Anjal Z program is a collaborative fellowship by Hub71 and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority aimed at accelerating global innovation in the early childhood sector. The program provides funding, market access, and strategic support for startups developing technologies that address key developmental challenges, with the goal of deploying these solutions to benefit children and families in Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Source: Fintech Gate
