Application timeline and requirements

Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort19. The current deadline is February 1st, 2026, and the programme starts in September 2026.

Timelines for Cohort19
- Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between November 2025 and April 2026. 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 June 2026.
- Programme: Hub71’s 12-month programme starts in September 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

The Future of Health Innovation

PRE-SEED TO SERIES A

Specialised programme

Hub71+ Life Sciences

Hub71+ Life Sciences is Abu Dhabi’s specialist ecosystem driving innovation across biotechnology, MedTech, and digital health. From precision medicine to biomanufacturing, we bring together founders, researchers, regulators, investors, and corporates to advance next-generation healthcare solutions from Abu Dhabi to the world. By uniting policy, capital, corporates, research and talent partners, Hub71+ Life Sciences founders reimagine how the world discovers, develops, and delivers health innovation.

Startups 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 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.

Apply Now

Timeline

Application timeline and requirements

Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort19. The current deadline is February 1st, 2026, and the programme starts in September 2026.

Timelines for Cohort19
- Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between November 2025 and April 2026. 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 June 2026.
- Programme: Hub71’s 12-month programme starts in September 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

Programme

timeline

Overview

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.

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

Thriving Ecosystem

Be part of Abu Dhabi’s growing life sciences ecosystem alongside local and international players.

Curated Community

Join an emerging community spanning biotechnology, precision medicine, advanced therapies and biomanufacturing.

Partner Programmes

Be the first to hear about partner programme launches and special initiatives.

Networking Events

Connect with like-minded professionals at regular networking events.

Mentorship

Access global experts, healthcare leaders, and experienced founders who provide tailored guidance to help you operate and scale from Abu Dhabi.

Talent & R&D

Access to leading universities, research centres, and labs.

Ready to take your startup to the next level?

Apply Now

The Hub71+ Life Sciences Partner Landscape

Hub71+ Life Sciences brings together a powerful network of partners across policy, capital, corporate, government and talent, forming the foundation of Abu Dhabi’s health innovation ecosystem.