The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) and Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, Hub71, have announced a strategic partnership to launch the MZN Hub71 Programme. This new initiative is designed to empower Emirati entrepreneurs in Al Ain, providing them with the necessary tools and support to transform their innovative ideas into market-ready ventures.
Bolstering Al Ain’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
The MZN Hub71 Programme aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage startups founded by Emirati nationals. The initiative will be hosted at the newly established MZN Hub in Al Ain, created by Khalifa Fund as part of its AI-driven ecosystem strategy. The partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader Falcon Economy vision, which emphasizes economic diversification, innovation, and sustainability by nurturing homegrown talent.
By combining Khalifa Fund’s extensive experience in supporting national enterprise development with Hub71’s deep expertise in scaling tech startups, the collaboration creates a comprehensive support system for founders. The agreement, signed by Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund, and Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, also paves the way for future specialized programmes designed to international standards.
A Three-Stage Journey for Founders
The intensive three-month programme will guide a cohort of 10 to 15 Emirati startups from ideation to the development of a minimum viable product (MVP). The journey is structured across three distinct stages:
Academy Stage: Founders will build essential business skills through workshops and mentorship covering financial modelling, pricing strategies, and go-to-market planning.
Validation Stage: This phase focuses on developing a deep understanding of customers and markets. Founders will engage with corporate partners to explore real-world business opportunities and validate their concepts.
Prototyping Stage: Startups will receive tailored mentorship to strengthen their products, support with UAE legal incorporation, and assistance in refining their growth strategy for a successful market entry.
The programme culminates in a Demo Day, where participating startups will present their solutions to an audience of government leaders, investors, and key private-sector stakeholders.
A Commitment to Emirati Innovation
H.E. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, stated: “At Khalifa Fund, we are committed to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and providing programmes and initiatives that serve as genuine incubators for entrepreneurs. In line with this commitment, we are pleased to collaborate with Hub71 through this agreement to enhance the capabilities of 15 Emirati startups in Al Ain through an intensive three-month training track.”
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, added: “At Hub71, we are deeply committed to empowering Emirati founders on their entrepreneurial journeys. Our partnership with Khalifa Fund through the MZN Hub71 Programme reflects this commitment by creating new pathways for Emiratis to transform their ideas into pioneering companies. By equipping them with mentorship, resources, and access to markets, we are enabling the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs to build ventures that create economic value and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading center for entrepreneurship.”
About The MZN Hub71 Programme
The MZN Hub71 Programme is designed to embed founders within Abu Dhabi’s thriving innovation ecosystem, providing long-term access to resources, potential investors, and strategic partners. Participants will engage in weekly workshops, mentorship sessions, and progress reviews. Applications for the first cohort are currently open to Emirati startup founders with innovative business ideas.
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. 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 the availability of investment, commercial activities, and incentives from the public and private sectors.
Source: Zawya
