Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, Hub71, has welcomed 27 startups into its Access Programme as part of Cohort 18, following a record-breaking 2,453 applications from 112 countries. The selected companies have collectively secured nearly AED 844.7 million in funding, averaging AED 31.2 million each, highlighting the strength and growth potential of startups choosing Abu Dhabi as a launchpad for international expansion.
With an acceptance rate of just 1.1%, Cohort 18 marks one of Hub71’s most competitive intakes to date. In a milestone for the ecosystem, all selected startups are headquartered outside the UAE, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a preferred destination for high-growth technology ventures. The startups are currently completing licensing procedures and establishing operations in the emirate, demonstrating the ease of setting up and scaling businesses from Abu Dhabi.
Applications referred through Hub71’s partner and founder networks accounted for 31% of submissions, reflecting increasing confidence in the ecosystem and the effectiveness of community-led startup sourcing.
The selected companies will join either Hub71’s sector-agnostic Access Programme or one of its specialist platforms: Hub71+ Digital Assets, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Life Sciences. Seven startups will enter Hub71+ Life Sciences, six will join Hub71+ Digital Assets, and five will participate in Hub71+ ClimateTech, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s strategic focus on digital finance, sustainability, industrial innovation, and healthcare technologies.
Commenting on the latest intake, Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said the new cohort reflects the continued momentum of startups choosing Abu Dhabi as a base for growth, citing the ecosystem’s ability to connect founders with capital, commercial opportunities, and international markets.
Among the notable entrants is EchoTwin AI from the United States, which develops real-time digital twin technology for municipal infrastructure management and has raised AED 29.4 million in funding. Kenya-based Duck joins the programme with a platform that integrates sales and inventory data to help brands improve stock management and reduce lost sales.
Within Hub71+ Life Sciences, UK startup Amilis will scale its AI-powered clinical decision support platform designed to improve diagnosis and treatment of complex reproductive health conditions.
The Hub71+ Digital Assets cohort includes Sweden-based Wingbits, which provides real-time air traffic visibility through a global flight-tracking network and has secured AED 34.5 million in funding.
Joining Hub71+ ClimateTech is UK startup Persium, which is advancing miniaturised air-quality sensors and AI-powered digital twins to monitor and reduce pollution.
Representing 12 countries and spanning Pre-Seed to Series A stages, Cohort 18 highlights Abu Dhabi’s ability to attract innovative companies from around the world. The cohort includes Indian startups such as Uravu Labs and Endimension Technology, reflecting growing innovation ties between the UAE and India under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Three Hong Kong-based startups—Pubrio, Craftt, and KPay—also joined the cohort after participating in Hub71’s Hong Kong Immersion Programme. Their transition into the ecosystem demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s effectiveness in converting international engagement into long-term business establishment and growth.
Through its 12-month Access Programme, Hub71 will provide startups with up to AED 250,000 in in-kind support and AED 250,000 in cash through a SAFE note, in addition to mentorship, investor access, regulatory guidance, and connections to corporate and government partners. High-performing startups may qualify for additional support to accelerate their expansion into global markets.
With the addition of Cohort 18, Hub71’s ecosystem now comprises 525 startups, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the fastest-growing innovation hubs in the Middle East and North Africa.
