Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) and Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, Hub71, have announced the inaugural cohort for the MZN Hub71 Programme. The initiative has selected 17 early-stage startups founded by Emirati entrepreneurs, creating a new pipeline for homegrown tech talent in Al Ain.
Quick Facts
- 17 Emirati-led startups selected.
- Chosen from over 370 applications.
- Focus on sectors including HealthTech, ClimateTech, and FinTech.
Cultivating a New Generation of Emirati Founders
Selected from a competitive pool of over 370 applicants, the first MZN Hub71 cohort signals strong demand for structured early-stage support in the UAE. The program, delivered through the MZN Hub in Al Ain, aims to help Emirati founders develop their ideas into scalable businesses.
The cohort is comprised of a new generation of entrepreneurs, with nearly 90% of founders under the age of 35 and more than 75% launching their first venture. Female founders represent a significant 35% of the selected startups. The ventures span key sectors for Abu Dhabi, including HealthTech, ClimateTech, FinTech, and AgriTech, with many applying AI to their respective industries.
H.E Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: “We are pleased to launch the first MZN Hub71 cohort in collaboration with Hub71, it reflects Khalifa Fund’s commitment to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and nurturing the next generation of national enterprises. Through MZN in Al Ain, we are creating a structured pathway that enables founders to transform ideas into viable businesses, strengthen their capabilities, and contribute directly to the UAE’s economic diversification goals.”
A Structured Pathway from Idea to Market
The three-month program guides founders through building minimum viable products, validating their concepts in the market, and preparing for launch. It culminates in a Demo Day, where the startups will present to investors, government stakeholders, and corporate partners to secure funding and commercial opportunities.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: “MZN Hub71 reflects the growing momentum among Emirati founders building ventures from Abu Dhabi. This cohort brings together an impressive group of founding teams developing timely solutions well positioned to enter the market. At Hub71, we are proud to support founders from the earliest stages, helping them build strong foundations, validate their ideas, and scale their businesses.”
Beyond the program, the founders will be integrated into Abu Dhabi’s wider innovation ecosystem, gaining continued access to capital and strategic support.
Meet the Inaugural MZN Hub71 Cohort
- InfraPower – Khaled Al Ghafli: An AI and GIS platform for detecting utility asset defects.
- RECtify – Khaled Alsamri: A platform for SMEs to track emissions and access carbon credit markets.
- ReachLLM – Maryam Alabbar: An AI platform to help brands optimize visibility across large language models.
- BOUKI – Ali Aljaffal: An AI-powered digital wallet that optimizes card usage and rewards.
- NAMDH – Afra Alahbabi: An AI-powered clinical assistant for real-time transcription and translation.
- Limb – Shamma Alsaedi: An AI-driven physiotherapy platform for remote monitoring.
- AIN – Mohammed Almehrzi: An AI-enabled IoT platform for precision irrigation.
- Hign Al Khaleej – Jaber Al Ahbabi: A digital marketplace for buying and selling camels.
- SouqView – Mohammed Al Nasri: An AI-powered app for simplified stock analysis for retail investors.
- Odysseon – Mustafa Samhoun: A platform combining crypto education with AI trading tools.
- Shams – Nouf Aljneibi: An AI-powered Arabic learning platform for children.
- TAIA – Hind Aljneibi: An AI platform that automates grading and lesson planning for educators.
- StarVolta – Abdalla Alghfeli: Clean energy tech converting methane into hydrogen with no direct CO₂ emissions.
- HAAY – Hoor Alkatheeri: Atmospheric water generation technology producing drinking water from air.
- Arady – Naser AlNuaimi: A digital platform to streamline real estate transactions.
- Mershid – Abdulla Daiban: An AI-powered travel companion offering personalized recommendations.
- The AM Lab – Mohammed Al Malik: A digital platform streamlining manufacturing in the MENA region.
About Khalifa Fund
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development was established in 2007 to help develop the local enterprise sector in Abu Dhabi. The Fund aims to create a new generation of Emirati entrepreneurs by instilling and enriching the culture of investment amongst young people, as well as supporting and developing small to medium-sized enterprises in the Emirate.
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 global markets, a capital ecosystem, a global network of partners, and a vibrant community filled with highly skilled talent governed by forward-thinking regulation.
Source: Zawya
