FAQs

Hub71 is a dynamic global tech ecosystem, propelling startups and tech companies to new heights from its vibrant community in Abu Dhabi. An initiative by the Department of Economic Development (DED), powered by Mubadala Investment Company, and based in ADGM attracts the world’s most promising startups from every sector, igniting innovation. ​Our ecosystem brings together investors, corporate giants, UAE champions, and government entities, creating a powerful combination that helps innovative companies thrive globally from the heart of the UAE’s capital.​

Hub71 is located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and we are based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), the fastest growing international financial centre in the MENA region.

Our ecosystem brings together startups, investors, corporate giants, UAE champions, tech leaders, and government entities to help innovative tech companies thrive globally from Abu Dhabi.

Our value-driven programs, combining in-kind and cash incentives along with access to our network of partners, help startups navigate challenges and scale to success by facilitating access to funding and commercial opportunities, and expert mentorship.

By joining our startup community, startups will gain access to market, talent, and capital via a vibrant network of mentors, partners, and investors that facilitate partnership and commercial opportunities to support their growth. Startups also receive in-kind incentives, and cash in exchange for equity..

Our programs are tailored to support the needs of startups at different stages of growth:

• Initiate: Coming soon to Hub71, Initiate is a cutting-edge programme comprising sector-specific venture builders to spark the development of new tech startups through sector-specific venture builders and venture studios.  Initiate helps founders with viable ideas, validate products, and establish product-market-fit and go-to-market, turning ideas into successful businesses.  Stay tuned for more details.

• Access: 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. To learn more about our Access Program, click here.

• Bright: Hub71’s new and exclusive programme, operated by ‘SG Hypergrowth’ for select top-performing startups in Access. Bright helps startups continue their growth journey from Abu Dhabi through additional expert mentorship, global expansion support, and fundraising from leading investors. *Please note, Bright is not open for submissions. Selected participants will be chosen from the Hub71 programmes.

If your startup is operating in Digital Assets or ClimateTech, you can check out our specialist ecosystems that are dedicated to advancing specific technology sectors:

• Hub71+ Digital Assets: By joining the Hub71+ Digital Assets specialist ecosystem, startups will enrol in a 12-month programme that provides a comprehensive support package for direct entry into Abu Dhabi’s marketplace, equipping founders of Web3 startups and blockchain technologies with in-kind and cash incentives and access to our vibrant community of investors and partners. To learn more about Hub71+ Digital Assets, please click here.

• Hub71+ ClimateTech: By joining the Hub71+ ClimateTech specialist ecosystem, startups will enrol in a 12-month programme that provides a comprehensive support package for direct entry into the UAE’s marketplace, equipping founders of climate technology and sustainability startups with in-kind and cash incentives and access to our vibrant community of investors and partners. To learn more about Hub71+ ClimateTech, please click here.

• Hub71+ AI: By joining the Hub71+ AI specialist ecosystem, startups that harness cutting-edge AI technologies and applications across diverse sectors will enrol in a 12-month programme that provides a comprehensive support package for direct entry into the UAE’s marketplace, in-kind and cash incentives, and access to our vibrant community of investors and partners. To learn more about Hub71+ AI, please click here.

Each programme is curated to support startups operating in specific technology sectors.

To identify the right programme for your startup, please click here.

If you are a Seed to Series A startup and you are looking to gain access to the UAE’s marketplace, our sector-agnostic programme Access is the right one for you.

If your startup is operating in Web3 or leveraging blockchain technology, Hub71+ Digital Assets is the right programme for you.

If your startup is focused on advancing climate technologies and sustainable innovations, Hub71+ ClimateTech is the right programme for you.

If your startup is leveraging AI to drive innovation, you may be eligible to join our specialist ecosystem, Hub71+ AI. Please note that this is not a standalone program. To be considered, you’ll need to apply to one of the Hub71 programs listed above and respond to a dedicated question within the application form. To know more click here.

To find out more about which programme to apply to, please click here.

To apply to our agnostic programme Access, click here.

For startups operating in Web3 or leveraging blockchain technologies, you can apply to Hub71+ Digital Assets by filling this form.

Startups focused on advancing climate technologies and sustainable innovations can apply to Hub71+ ClimateTech by applying here.

If your startup is leveraging AI to drive innovation, you may be eligible to join our specialist ecosystem, Hub71+ AI. Please note that this is not a standalone program. To be considered, you’ll need to apply to one of the Hub71 programs listed above and respond to a dedicated question within the application form. To know more click here.

You will be required to share details of your startup, such as its name, website, and sector in which you operate. You will also be required to share a pitch deck that includes:

• Problem, solution, value proposition, and business model

• Competition, market, traction, and funds raised

• Information about the founders/founding team

• Details on how your startup will support Hub71’s ambitions and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification

Please make sure that you upload your pitch deck in PDF format, upon completing all fields required in the online application form.

To apply, please click here.

Startups at Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A stages are eligible to apply. To access our list of programs, please click here.

You can apply to one of our programs, most relevant to your startup’s sector. For more information on our programs, please visit our programs page here.

We welcome startups at Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A stages. To find out which is the right programme for your startup, please click here.

Yes. Our ecosystem welcomes startups from around the world.

Startups will be evaluated on their ability to address an existing challenge, and to raise funds, as well as their growth potential, and vision.

Yes

Yes

No this is not a requirement. During the onboarding process, the selected startups will have to setup a Tech Startup License, ADGM Opco in ADGM and make it a subsidiary of their holding company

No. There are no fees associated with applying to Hub71.

Thank you for your interest in joining Hub71. As a next step, our sourcing and selection team will be reviewing your application. You can expect to receive feedback about the status of your application within three months of applying.

Our thorough selection process entails multiple stages and involves different partners across our innovation ecosystem, ensuring that the most promising startups are selected to join our community. The selection process is made up of four rounds:

• Round 1: Hub71’s sourcing and selection team reviews applications

• Round 2: Shortlisted startups meet and pitch to the Hub71 team

• Round 3: Shortlisted startups meet and pitch to Hub71’s ecosystem partners

• Round 4: Hub71’s selection committee conducts a final review

Our selection process involves Hub71 team members, as well as ecosystem partners including corporates, government entities, investors, and founders from the Hub71 community.

Your pitch deck should include the following main sections:

• Problem, solution, value proposition, and business model

• Competition, market, traction, and funds raised

• Information about the founders/founding team

• Details on how your startup will support Hub71’s ambitions and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification

Please make sure that you upload your pitch deck in PDF format, upon completing all fields required in the online application form.

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

• Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between June 2025 and September 2025. You should be receiving feedback about the status of your application within 3 months of applying.

• Onboarding: If your startup is selected, your onboarding process will start in November 2025.

Our sourcing and selection team will review your application between June 2025 and September 2025 for Cohort18.

1. Application submission
   Complete an application form with an overview of your startup, the problem you are addressing, the solution, your product, and your 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-stage selection process, Hub71 will select a cohort of startups to join its vibrant ecosystem.

If your startup is selected, your onboarding process will start in November 2025.

You will receive feedback about the status of your application within three months of applying.

For more information on your application’s status, please reach out to us at info@hub71.com.

Yes, you can always apply to join our future cohorts.

Congratulations on being selected to join our vibrant ecosystem!

Once accepted into Hub71, you’ll begin a two-month onboarding process to get acquainted with our resources, community, and support network. By the start of your program, you’ll be on the ground, actively engaging in workshops, networking events, and community gatherings that offer hands-on experience and strategic guidance. Following this, our team will prepare you for a fundraising roadshow, connecting you with potential funding sources through pitch sessions and introductions to help scale your business. This journey is designed to provide essential resources and a strong network dedicated to your success. Our community team will be in touch to provide further details and ensure a seamless onboarding process.

Our programs provide both in-kind support and cash incentives under a SAFE note agreement, which is a founder-friendly convertible equity that only converts during your next priced round, minimizing any impact on future fundraising. While participation requires agreement to these onboarding terms, the terms are structured to be highly supportive and flexible, ensuring you have access to comprehensive resources without immediate equity dilution.

Hub71 offers relocation support through incentives that help cover access to housing, office space, and health insurance for founders and employees based in Abu Dhabi. During onboarding, we assist with establishing an entity at ADGM and connect startups with an incorporation partner, allowing incorporation costs to be covered through their incentives.

Yes, as part of the onboarding process, startups are required to register for an ADGM tech license. The newly formed entity will be set up as a subsidiary of your holding entity, regardless of the holding entity’s location.

Startups accepted to our programs must relocate and establish a presence at our space within Abu Dhabi. We encourage at least one founder to relocate to Abu Dhabi for the duration of the programme to maximize the market's benefits.

As a global tech ecosystem, we offer founders a route into the UAE capital’s marketplace and a launchpad for growth to international markets. We do not expect you to restrict your operations to Abu Dhabi and encourage our startups to explore opportunities to scale in the UAE and globally.

Your startup will be able to utilize office space within Hub71, which is based in Abu Dhabi Global Market, one of the largest International Financial Centres in the world.

Startups onboarded to Hub71’s programs, including Access, Hub71+ Digital Assets and Hub71+ ClimateTech will receive AED 250,000 worth of in-kind incentives in the form of support services, and AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note.

High-performing startups 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.

Incentives include:

• Office space

• Health insurance

• Housing

• Workforce support

• Licensing & visa support

• Marketing, legal, and financial support

• Back-office support

• Upskilling

• Growth marketing

Once you’ve successfully been onboarded to Hub71, your startup will benefit from our range of incentives that can be accessed through a digital wallet.

Yes, as part of our range of incentives, your startup can tap into marketing and communications support from trusted service providers.

Access is a 12-month program. During this time, your startup will also be enrolled in our three-month guided track, powered by TechStars where you'll gain access to their mentors, ensuring tailored advice to accelerate your growth.

Similarly, startups joining the Hub71+ Digital Assets specialist ecosystem will enrol in a 12-month program, including a three-month guided track by Elixir Capital.

Startups joining the Hub71+ ClimateTech specialist ecosystem, startups will enrol in a 12-month program, including a three-month guided by New Energy Nexus (NEX).

By joining our Access programme as well as our specialist ecosystems, Hub71+ Digital Assets and Hub71+ ClimateTech startups receive a comprehensive support package and a route into the UAE capital’s marketplace. You’ll gain access to Hub71’s vibrant community, where you can connect with our network of corporate, government, and investment partners. The benefits include in-kind and cash incentives. Your startup will also be enrolled in our 3-month guided track, run by some of the industry’s leading entities where you'll gain access to expert mentors, ensuring tailored advice to accelerate your growth.

Access is a 12-month program. High-performing startups will be eligible to receive extensions and a top-up of up to AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity, upon completion of the programme or after one year. This also applies to the programs under Hub71+ Digital Assets and Hub71+ ClimateTech

Startups accepted to Hub71 must relocate and establish a presence at our space within Abu Dhabi.

By joining Hub71, you’ll receive tailored mentorship from industry experts covering all aspects of business growth to support you.

We encourage at least one founder to relocate to Abu Dhabi for the duration of the programme to maximize the market's benefits. Founders will need to be present on-ground for the first 3-months of the program.

Under the Hub71 Access program, Hub71 will be enrolled in a three-month guided track, powered by TechStars, that provides you with access to their mentors, ensuring tailored advice to accelerate your growth.

Startups joining Hub71+ Digital Assets will be enrolled in a three-month guided track powered by Elixir Capital, that provides you with access to their mentors, ensuring tailored advice to accelerate your growth in the Web3 space.

Startups onboarded to Hub71+ ClimateTech will be enrolled in a three-month guided track powered by New Energy Nexus, that provides you with access to their mentors, ensuring tailored advice to accelerate your growth in the ClimateTech space.

Hub71's programs are operated by our dedicated team of startup ecosystem experts in collaboration with our partner and mentorship network. To learn more about our programs, please visit our Hub71 Programs page here.

We organize regular fundraising roadshows and run initiatives, such as VC Meets, that provide founders with introductions to our extensive network of local and international capital partners. To see the list of investors in our ecosystem, click here.

We maintain strategic partnerships with market-leading corporations where we facilitate meetings, collaborations, and events, enabling founders to connect with potential clients and partners. To see the list of partners in our ecosystem, click here.

We encourage our startups to continue their operations in Abu Dhabi to leverage the vibrant ecosystem and the opportunities available in the UAE capital and beyond.

After graduating from Hub71, you can continue attending community events, participating in alumni programs, and leveraging our network of partners and mentors.

Hub71 is a global tech ecosystem, propelling startups and tech companies to new heights within our vibrant community in Abu Dhabi. We’ve created a collaborative network that combines investors, corporate giants, UAE champions, and government entities, fostering a favourable environment for innovative companies to unlock investment and commercial opportunities and thrive globally from the heart of the UAE’s capital.

As a member of the Hub71 community, you benefit from tailored support programs, including access to funding, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. You’ll also have access to a working space, networking opportunities, and resources designed to accelerate your startup's growth.

You can access the Hub71 community events calendar by visiting our official events page on our website here.

Yes, many of our events are open to non-community members, allowing broader participation and networking opportunities.

Hub71 does not directly invest in startups but facilitates access to investors, including VCs, family offices and angel investors, through introductions, fundraising roadshows and initiatives aimed at securing investment and connecting founders with our network of capital partners. If your startup has been selected to join Hub71, you’ll receive AED 250,000 in exchange for equity through a SAFE note.

A SAFE note (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is a promise to give an investor shares in your company later in exchange for cash now. In your case of our community, that ‘investor’ would be Hub71.

Hub71 uses a future looking MFN (Most Favoured Nation clause) SAFE Note uncapped, with no discount, that grants startups AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity.

Startups selected to join Hub71 enter into an agreement that includes access to AED 250,000 worth of in-kind incentives for support services. Additionally, they receive AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note, designed to provide both financial and operational support to help startups scale effectively.

We help startups raise funds by connecting them with our vast network of local and international investors. Through initiatives like VC Meets, fundraising roadshows, and strategic introductions, we provide our startups with direct access to potential investors.

Yes, once you’re accepted into Hub71, you’ll gain access to a wide network of local and international investors.

High-performing startups who are part of our programs 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. Eligible startups will need to meet a set of criteria outlined by Hub71.

To join, please fill out our Partners Application form here to connect with our team. We offer access to a carefully curated selection of high-potential startups, all vetted through a rigorous assessment process. This ensures you're matched with innovative companies ready for growth and success.

Whether you’re an angel or a venture capitalist looking for your next investment, our experienced investor relations team are here to help connect you to the right startup in our community. To join our ecosystem as an investor, please complete the form here.

To partner with us, please fill out our Partners Application form here to connect with our team. Partnering with us lets you collaborate with innovative startups, facilitate commercial opportunities, and accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies, all while enhancing Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness and fostering industry collaboration.

To get started, please fill out our Partners Application form here. We’ll match you with relevant startups based on your goals, allowing you to collaborate, co-develop solutions, and drive innovation together.

To partner with us, fill out our Partners Application form here to connect with our team. Partnering with us allows government entities to collaborate with cutting-edge startups, drive technological advancement, and enhance Abu Dhabi’s innovation landscape through favourable regulations. We offer a platform to co-develop solutions that address public sector challenges and key economic sectors that boost Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness.

To partner with us, please fill out our Partners Application form here to connect with our team. As a service provider, you’ll gain access to a dynamic ecosystem of innovative startups that will enable you to showcase your services, contribute to the success of emerging companies, and play a key role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s tech landscape.

To become a Hub71 mentor, please get in-touch with us here to connect with our team. As a mentor, you'll have the opportunity to guide and support startups within our ecosystem, share your expertise, and contribute to the growth of innovative companies in Abu Dhabi’s tech community.

Yes, to become an ecosystem mentor, you should have relevant experience in startups, corporates, VCs, or other innovation streams. Hub71 seeks accomplished professionals who can provide expert guidance, foster meaningful connections, and promote knowledge exchange within our community of founders.

To recommend startups, please get in-touch with us here to connect with our team. We value referrals that align with our mission to support innovative and high-potential startups in Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem.