Application timeline and requirements

Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort17. The current deadline is February 1st 2025, and the program starts in September 2025.

Timelines for Cohort17
- Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between November 2024 and April 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 May 2025.
- Program: Hub71’s 3-month program runs from September to November 2025.
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
Steps

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.

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Specialized Program

Hub71+ AI

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

Hub71+ AI is a specialist ecosystem designed to empower startups harnessing AI to drive innovation across industries. The ecosystem provides AI startups with the resources, network, and expertise needed to scale effectively and achieve sustainable growth. Through this sector-agnostic specialist ecosystem, Hub71 offers startups in its programs 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 program, you’ll also gain access to an extensive network of globally recognized 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.

Startups onboarded to the program 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 startups are eligible to receive a top-up of up to AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity, upon completion of the program or after one year.

Apply Now

Timeline

Application timeline and requirements

Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort17. The current deadline is February 1st 2025, and the program starts in September 2025.

Timelines for Cohort17
- Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between November 2024 and April 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 May 2025.
- Program: Hub71’s 3-month program runs from September to November 2025.
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
Steps

Program

timeline

Overview

A 12-month program 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.

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

Benefits of joining the program

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 apply for the Hub71+ AI program, select your program of interest from the options below and answer the question as part of the selected program’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 Program

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 ecosystem to promote Web3 growth from the heart of Abu Dhabi. We provide an integrated launchpad that unites builders, regulators, investors, foundations, corporate partners, and enthusiasts. 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