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Reach new heights with the Access programme

Get the support you need to take your business to the next level in Abu Dhabi. Our Access Programme offers a comprehensive support package and a direct route into the UAE capital’s marketplace. The benefits include in-kind and cash incentives, along with access to our vibrant community of capital and corporate partners and mentors.
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Are you an established start-up hoping to gain a foothold in Abu Dhabi and scale your business?

Our Access Programme offers a comprehensive support package and a direct entry 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. You'll also be enrolled in our 3-month guided track, powered by TechStars where you'll gain access to their mentors, ensuring tailored advice to accelerate your growth. 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 to join the Access Programme and scale your start-up in Abu Dhabi.

Application timeline and requirements

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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
  • 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.
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Programme

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Overview

A 12-month programme that provides a comprehensive support package for direct entry into Abu Dhabi’s marketplace, equipping founders of climate technology and sustainability startups 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.

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Benefits of joining the programme

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01

Application submission

Complete an application form with an overview of your startup, the problem you are addressing, the solution, your product, and business model.

02

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

03

Final selection

After a rigorous four-stages selection process, Hub71 will select a cohort of startups to join its vibrant ecosystem.

04

Partnerships

Connect with corporate partners and a global network of strategic partners

Ready to take your startup to the next level?

What can we build together?