Khalifa Fund has opened applications for NEXUS, a 10-week AI-focused incubation programme for Emirati founders at MZN Hub Al Qana in Abu Dhabi.
The programme will select 30 startups and is free to join, with no equity taken or fees charged. Participants will receive mentoring, AI training, weekly progress reviews, market access opportunities and introductions to corporations, government entities and investors. Up to five startups may also attend a three-day Silicon Valley Summit.
Eligible applicants must be at least 18, reside in Abu Dhabi and have a startup with at least 51% Emirati ownership. The programme accepts idea-stage ventures, prototypes, minimum viable products and more mature startups, provided they show a scalable business model and can participate on-site throughout the programme.
Applications close on September 20, 2026. The programme includes onboarding, core incubation, Demo Week and four weeks of virtual follow-up support.
Source: Khalifa Fund
