What Hub71 does

Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global technology startup ecosystem and accelerator, established in 2019 and headquartered within the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) financial free zone on Al Maryah Island. The organization is backed by Mubadala Investment Company, a UAE sovereign wealth fund, and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). It runs a portfolio of cohort-based programs designed to attract, select, and accelerate early to growth-stage technology startups that establish operations in Abu Dhabi. Core offerings include the 12-month Access Programme (up to AED 750,000 in combined incentives per startup: AED 250,000 in-kind support, AED 250,000 cash via a founder-friendly MFN-uncapped SAFE note, plus a potential AED 250,000 top-up), the Initiate Programme for pre-MVP founders, and a Sandbox Programme for regulator-supported testing in collaboration with ADDED.

The ecosystem has expanded into five specialist vertical tracks: Hub71+ AI (anchored by AI71 and Core42 with access to Falcon LLM infrastructure), Hub71+ Digital Assets (Web3/blockchain with Elixir Capital), Hub71+ ClimateTech (with New Energy Nexus), Hub71+ Life Sciences (with the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi and Emirates Drug Establishment), and a Gateway to the SAVI smart and autonomous mobility cluster. Targeted initiatives include the MZN x Hub71 Programme for Emirati founders (in partnership with Khalifa Fund), ECA Anjal Z x Hub71 for early childhood development startups, the UAE-India Start-Up Series for cross-border expansion, and Mastercard Lighthouse UAE 2026 for fintech AI startups. Anchor technology partners (AWS, Google for Startups, NVIDIA, MBZUAI, Core42) supply compute, model access, and talent pipelines.

The selection model is highly competitive: 2,453 applications were received for the 27 spots in Cohort 18, a 1.1% acceptance rate spanning 112 countries. The business model is not fee-based. Hub71 monetizes indirectly through SAFE-note equity stakes in selected startups, in-kind service credits supplied by 200+ partners, and direct government/sovereign funding from Mubadala and ADDED. Collective value generated includes $2.18 billion raised by Hub71 startups, $223 million raised by a single 26-startup AI cohort in September 2025, and a 3,057% surge in Abu Dhabi's broader ecosystem value to $73.4 billion per the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Report.

Name

Hub71

Legal name

Hub71

Website

https://hub71.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's sovereign-backed global tech ecosystem and accelerator, headquartered in ADGM, that selects, funds via founder-friendly SAFE notes, and accelerates early to growth-stage technology startups across specialist verticals including AI, Digital Assets, ClimateTech, Life Sciences, and smart mobility.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Accelerator and Tech Ecosystem

NAICS

Other Financial Investment Activities (5239), Miscellaneous Financial Investment Activities (523999)

SIC

Investment Advice (6282), Security Brokers, Dealers & Flotation Companies (6211)

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)

Keywords

• Startup accelerator programs
• Venture capital network
• Tech ecosystem builder
• AI startup support
• Corporate partnership facilitation

Headquarters

HQ city

Abu Dhabi

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Startup Program Participation: Hub71 operates as a not-for-profit tech ecosystem accelerator backed by sovereign entities (Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development). The organization does not charge startups direct fees for participation; instead, it provides capital (AED 250,000 via SAFE note) and in-kind support (AED 250,000 in services) to selected startups in exchange for equity. Revenue is generated through the appreciation of equity stakes in portfolio companies and facilitation of investments by capital partners into the ecosystem.
2. Ecosystem Facilitation Services: Hub71 connects startups with corporate partners, government entities, and investors. While the organization does not directly monetize these connections, the broader Abu Dhabi ecosystem benefits through job creation, economic diversification, and technology sector development - objectives aligned with government-backed mandate.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Hub71 operates Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem and accelerator, running cohort-based programs that provide selected startups with up to AED 750,000 in combined support (AED 250,000 cash via a founder-friendly SAFE note plus AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives and a potential AED 250,000 top-up). The offering includes the flagship Access Programme, the early-stage Initiate Programme, specialist vertical ecosystems (Hub71+ AI, Digital Assets, ClimateTech, Life Sciences), the Sandbox regulatory testing programme, and cross-border corridors with India, Hong Kong, Ireland, and the US. Selected startups gain regulatory pathways through Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), introductions to 200+ partners and 40+ capital providers, and mentorship through Techstars, Elixir Capital, and New Energy Nexus.

Product overview

Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem and accelerator platform that operates as a portfolio of specialized programmes rather than a single software product. The core offering includes the Access Programme (12-month support package with up to AED 750,000 in incentives) and Initiate Programme (early-stage support), supplemented by five specialist ecosystems: Hub71+ AI (compute credits and Falcon LLM access via AI71/Core42), Hub71+ Digital Assets (Web3/blockchain focus), Hub71+ ClimateTech (sustainability), Hub71+ Life Sciences (biotech/MedTech/digital health), and Gateway to SAVI (autonomous mobility). Additional programmes include Sandbox (regulatory testing), ECA Anjal Z (early childhood), MZN x Hub71 (Emirati founders), Mastercard Lighthouse UAE (fintech AI accelerator), and UAE-India Start-Up Series (cross-border expansion). The ecosystem connects startups with investors, corporate partners, and government entities from its base in Abu Dhabi Global Market.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Hub71+ AI: Specialist ecosystem designed to support startups at the forefront of AI innovation, providing advanced technical resources, access to AI researchers, industry practitioners, and strategic partners.
• Hub71+ Digital Assets
• Hub71+ ClimateTech
• Hub71+ Life Sciences
• Access Programme
• Initiate Programme
• Sandbox Programme
• MZN x Hub71 Programme
• ECA Anjal Z x Hub71

Products and services

• Access Programme 12-month flagship programme offering startups a comprehensive support package including in-kind incentives (AED 250,000), cash via founder-friendly SAFE note (AED 250,000), potential top-up (AED 250,000), and route into Abu Dhabi's marketplace with access to 200+ partners and 40+ capital providers.
• Initiate Programme Early-stage programme for founders at ideation or pre-MVP stage, connecting them with experienced venture builders to validate products and establish product-market fit. Provides office space, connection to 150+ partners, and pathway to the Access programme.
• Hub71+ AI Specialist ecosystem for AI startups providing compute credits, cloud infrastructure access, Falcon LLM access via AI71 and Core42, AI-specific mentorship, and a 12-month programme with up to AED 750,000 in combined incentives.
• Hub71+ Digital Assets Specialist ecosystem for Web3 and blockchain startups providing a 12-month programme with in-kind and cash incentives, regulatory support via ADGM, and a 3-month guided track powered by Elixir Capital for Web3-specific mentorship.
• Hub71+ ClimateTech

Quantifiable outcome

• 410+ startups onboarded representing 112 countries
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mastercard LighthousecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Mastercard Lighthouse UAE 2026 accelerator program for AI startups in financial services, commerce, risk, trust, resilience, and MSME solutions. First Mastercard Lighthouse chapter in UAE, part of Mastercard UAE AI Center of Excellence.
• UAE Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications OfficecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Government partner for Mastercard Lighthouse UAE 2026, aligned with UAE's AI strategy and digital economy development goals.
• UAE-India CEPA CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 November 2025Strategic partnership operationalizing UAE-India CEPA innovation agenda, creating end-to-end pathway for Indian startups to enter, validate and scale in Abu Dhabi. Includes Start-Up Series 1.0 and 2.0 programs with up to AED 500,000 support per startup.
• SAVI Cluster (Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Hub71 serves as gateway for startups into Abu Dhabi's SAVI cluster, providing access to testing environments, vertiports, charging networks, cybersecurity frameworks, and government partnerships for autonomous mobility startups.
• Department of Health - Abu DhabicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Founding partner of Hub71+ Life Sciences ecosystem, providing regulatory support, clinical pathway guidance, and hospital partnership access for healthtech and biotech startups.
• Emirates Drug EstablishmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Founding partner of Hub71+ Life Sciences, providing regulatory expertise for pharmaceutical and biotech companies entering UAE market.
• Cleveland Clinic Abu DhabiminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Hospital partner for Hub71 startup BioTwin to pilot virtual human twin technology for breast cancer screening, enabled by regulatory approval from Department of Health - Abu Dhabi.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Government partner for Hub71 startup Lamsa to pilot early childhood development solutions, demonstrating regulatory engagement pathway.
• Khalifa Fund for Enterprise DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in MZN x Hub71 Programme supporting Emirati entrepreneurs, providing venture building support through Khalifa Fund's AI-driven ecosystem strategy at MZN Hub in Al Ain.
• Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partner in ECA Anjal Z x Hub71 programme providing dedicated pathway for early childhood development startups with government access and pilot opportunities.
• New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership agreement signed during Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in New York to facilitate international startup expansion between Abu Dhabi and New Jersey. Provides market access, investor connections, and regulatory guidance.
• Cyberport (Hong Kong)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership bringing high-potential startups to Abu Dhabi for expansion into UAE and wider region. Includes market access support, mentorship, investor engagement, and ecosystem connection.
• Dubai Future FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership with Dubai Future Foundation (alongside Hub71 and KACST) to facilitate two-way expansion between Middle East and Asia innovation ecosystems.
• HSITPL / HKCERTminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Hong Kong partnership through HSITPL bringing startups for expansion support, mentorship, investor engagement, and Abu Dhabi ecosystem connection.
• MTR LabminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Hong Kong partnership through MTR Lab for startup expansion support and ecosystem connection between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi.
• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership bringing Japanese startups to Abu Dhabi for market expansion support, mentorship, and ecosystem connection.
• HELM Cluster (Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership with ADIO, Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, and MBZUAI under HELM cluster to advance AI-driven life sciences innovation, providing infrastructure for healthcare data analysis and commercialization support.
• TechstarscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Hub71's Access Program includes a 3-month guided track powered by Techstars, providing startups with access to Techstars' global mentor network, startup methodology, and acceleration expertise.
• Elixir CapitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Hub71+ Digital Assets specialist ecosystem includes 3-month guided track powered by Elixir Capital, providing Web3-specific mentorship and expertise for blockchain and digital assets startups.
• New Energy NexuscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Hub71+ ClimateTech specialist ecosystem includes 3-month guided track powered by New Energy Nexus (NEX), providing climate-focused mentorship and expertise for sustainability startups.
• AI71coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024AI71 is anchor partner for Hub71+ AI ecosystem, providing access to Falcon LLM models and AI infrastructure. AI71 offers compute credits and AI tools for Hub71 AI startups.
• Core42coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Core42 is anchor partner for Hub71+ AI ecosystem, providing cloud infrastructure and AI tools including access to Falcon series of Large Language Models for participating startups.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024AWS is technology partner providing cloud infrastructure, compute credits, and technical support for Hub71 startups across all programs.
• Google for StartupscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Google for Startups is technology partner providing access to Google's tools, Cloud credits, and startup support programs for Hub71 ecosystem.
• NVIDIAcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024NVIDIA is technology partner for Hub71+ AI ecosystem, providing GPU infrastructure, technical expertise, and AI acceleration support.
• Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024MBZUAI is academic partner providing AI research expertise, talent pipeline, and collaboration opportunities for Hub71 AI startups.
• 42 Abu DhabicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 202442 Abu Dhabi is talent partner providing coding education, talent pipeline, and innovation support for Hub71 startups.
• e& enterprise and DataRobotcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to launch region's first AI Center of Excellence in UAE, creating robust ecosystem for AI innovation. Includes three-year strategic alliance for AI as a Service deployment across UAE, Egypt, and Morocco.
• Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Hub71 is based within ADGM, Abu Dhabi's international financial center. ADGM provides regulatory framework, licensing pathways, and supportive environment for tech startups. Startups receive ADGM Tech Startup License upon joining.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hub71ad
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@hub71ad
• Facebookfacebook.com/Hub71AD
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hub71ad
• Instagraminstagram.com/Hub71ad
• TikToktiktok.com/@hub71ad

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments69 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hub71