Application timeline and requirements

Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort18. The current deadline is August 1st, 2025, and the programme starts in February 2026.

Timelines for Cohort18
- Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between June and September 2025. You should be receiving feedback about the status of your application within 3 months of applying.
- Selection rounds:
  - Round 1: Application review
  - Round 2: Hub71 team meets shortlisted founders
  - Round 3: Hub71 partners meet shortlisted founders
  - Round 4: Final selection committee
- Onboarding: If your startup is selected, your onboarding process will start in November 2025.
- Programme: Hub71’s 12-month programme starts in February 2026.
Applications
- Applications do not close after the deadline: if you apply after the mentioned deadline related to a cohort, you will be considered for the next cohort.
- If you apply before the mentioned cohort deadline, you will be hearing back from the Hub71 team before the application review deadline mentioned in section 1 ends.
- During round 3, we invite relevant partners from our community to attend the sessions and be part of the evaluation process.
Selected startups
- Startups onboarded to the program will receive: AED 250,000 worth of flexible incentives that can be utilized with a range of service providers, and AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note.
- High-performing startups committed to Abu Dhabi are eligible to receive a top-up of AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity by the end of the one year program.
Requirements
- Startups should fill all required fields in the application form
- Pitch deck in PDF format highlighting the following main sections:
  - Problem, solution, value proposition, and business model
  - Competition, market, traction, and funds raised
  - Founders / Founding team
  - Plans for Hub71 and Abu Dhabi
- At least one founder is expected to commit to relocating long-term and building a team out of Abu Dhabi
Steps
- 1
  
  Application submission
  
  Complete an application form with an overview of your startup, the problem you are addressing, the solution, your product, and business model.
- 2
  
  Pitch presentations
  
  If your application is successful, you will be invited to the next stage, where you will be asked to deliver a series of pitch presentations to the Hub71 team and some of the tech ecosystem’s investment, corporate and government partners. Startups will be evaluated on their team, the market opportunity, and their growth plans.
- 3
  
  Final selection
  
  After a rigorous four-stages selection process, Hub71 will select a cohort of startups to join its vibrant ecosystem.

A dedicated cross-sector AI ecosystem by Hub71

Hub71+ AI is a specialist ecosystem designed to support startups at the forefront of AI innovation. The ecosystem provides advanced technical resources, access to a robust network of AI researchers, industry practitioners, and strategic partners, and tailored expertise in AI-driven product development and scalability. With a focus on fostering collaboration and accelerating AI integration across sectors, Hub71+ AI empowers startups to develop and deploy sophisticated AI solutions, enabling founders to achieve operational efficiency, drive industry disruption, and deliver sustainable impact.

PRE-SEED TO SERIES A

Specialized Ecosystem

Is your start-up harnessing innovative AI technologies to transform industries and drive meaningful impact within your sector?

Hub71+ AI is a specialist ecosystem designed to empower start-ups harnessing AI to drive innovation across industries. The ecosystem provides AI start-ups with the resources, network, and expertise needed to scale effectively and achieve sustainable growth. Through this sector-agnostic specialist ecosystem, Hub71 offers start-ups in its programmes a comprehensive support package and a route into the UAE capital’s marketplace. Benefits include compute power and access to our network of leading regional and global government, market, and investment partners. As part of this programme, you’ll also gain access to an extensive network of globally recognised partners, including AI71, Core 42, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Nvidia, Google for Startups, Hewlett Packard, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and 42 Abu Dhabi, who will provide access to cutting-edge AI tools and platforms, strategic market entry pathways, and opportunities to pilot your technologies in real-world settings.

Start-ups onboarded to the programme will receive AED 250,000 worth of in-kind incentives in the form of support services, and AED 250,000 in cash for exchange for equity through a SAFE note. High-performing start-ups are eligible to receive a top-up of up to AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity, upon completion of the programme or after one year.

Apply Now

Timeline

Application timeline and requirements

Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort18. The current deadline is August 1st, 2025, and the programme starts in February 2026.

Timelines for Cohort18
- Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between June and September 2025. You should be receiving feedback about the status of your application within 3 months of applying.
- Selection rounds:
  - Round 1: Application review
  - Round 2: Hub71 team meets shortlisted founders
  - Round 3: Hub71 partners meet shortlisted founders
  - Round 4: Final selection committee
- Onboarding: If your startup is selected, your onboarding process will start in November 2025.
- Programme: Hub71’s 12-month programme starts in February 2026.
Applications
- Applications do not close after the deadline: if you apply after the mentioned deadline related to a cohort, you will be considered for the next cohort.
- If you apply before the mentioned cohort deadline, you will be hearing back from the Hub71 team before the application review deadline mentioned in section 1 ends.
- During round 3, we invite relevant partners from our community to attend the sessions and be part of the evaluation process.
Selected startups
- Startups onboarded to the program will receive: AED 250,000 worth of flexible incentives that can be utilized with a range of service providers, and AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note.
- High-performing startups committed to Abu Dhabi are eligible to receive a top-up of AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity by the end of the one year program.
Requirements
- Startups should fill all required fields in the application form
- Pitch deck in PDF format highlighting the following main sections:
  - Problem, solution, value proposition, and business model
  - Competition, market, traction, and funds raised
  - Founders / Founding team
  - Plans for Hub71 and Abu Dhabi
- At least one founder is expected to commit to relocating long-term and building a team out of Abu Dhabi
Steps
- 1
  
  Application submission
  
  Complete an application form with an overview of your startup, the problem you are addressing, the solution, your product, and business model.
- 2
  
  Pitch presentations
  
  If your application is successful, you will be invited to the next stage, where you will be asked to deliver a series of pitch presentations to the Hub71 team and some of the tech ecosystem’s investment, corporate and government partners. Startups will be evaluated on their team, the market opportunity, and their growth plans.
- 3
  
  Final selection
  
  After a rigorous four-stages selection process, Hub71 will select a cohort of startups to join its vibrant ecosystem.

Program

timeline

Overview

A 12-month programme that provides a comprehensive support package for direct entry into Abu Dhabi’s marketplace, equipping founders with in-kind and cash incentives and access to our vibrant community of investors and partners.

Programme launch (4 weeks)

In this launch phase, startups set KPIs and identify key areas for growth, ensuring a strong foundation for their journey into the UAE’s marketplace.

Market entry preparation (4 weeks)

This phase focuses on preparing startups for entry into the MENA region by guiding them through the UAE's corporate environment and investor landscape, ensuring they are well-equipped for success.

Corporate partners introduction

Hub71 will facilitate introductions to key partners within our network, exploring potential collaboration opportunities for startups.

Growth acceleration (4 weeks)

The ‘Growth’ phase concentrates on key areas such as fundraising, market expansion, and scaling teams to drive startup success.

Fundraising showcase

A fundraising event where startups meet with VCs within the ecosystem, culminating in a public Demo Day to showcase their progress and opportunities.

Ongoing support through incentives

Throughout the programme, startups will receive ongoing support through access to vetted service providers, utilizing incentives to further enhance their growth and operations.

Benefits of joining the programme

Access

Connect with renowned partners, global tech giants, research institutions, and regulatory bodies to facilitate your growth

Capital

Gain access to VCs, fund managers, and investors looking to invest in AI startups

Regulations

Benefit from a progressive regulatory framework, and gain access to regulators

Support packages

Gain access to funding opportunities, advanced compute power, technical resources, and pilot project financing

How to apply?

To gain access to the Hub71+ AI ecosystem benefits, select your programme of interest from the options below and answer the question as part of the selected programme’s application form: “Is your startup utilizing or building AI solutions as part of its core product offering? Which category best describes your focus?”.

Access Programme

Get the support you need to take your business to the next level in Abu Dhabi. Our Access Program offers a comprehensive support package and a route into the UAE capital’s marketplace. The benefits include in-kind and cash incentives and access to our vibrant community of capital and corporate partners, and mentors.

Apply Now

Hub71+ Digital Assets

Hub71+ Digital Assets is a dedicated programme to promote Web3 startup growth from the heart of Abu Dhabi. We provide an integrated launchpad that unites builders, regulators, investors, foundations, corporate partners, and enthusiasts around Web3 including blockchain and cryptocurrency startups. No matter where you are in your journey, there’s something for you at Hub71.

Apply Now

Hub71+ ClimateTech

Hub71+ ClimateTech is a specialist ecosystem, where sustainability startups leverage technologies to drive decarbonization in supporting a net zero future. The program offers a comprehensive support package and a route into the UAE capital's marketplace.

Apply Now