Abu Dhabi:Hub71, a leading global tech ecosystem based in Abu Dhabi, has announced the selection of 40 startups for its 19th cohort, marking its largest intake to date. This milestone follows a record number of 2,502 applications received from 117 countries, with the selected startups collectively raising US$296 million (AED1.09 billion). This initiative reinforces Abu Dhabi's status as a prime destination for innovative technology companies and entrepreneurs.
According to Emirates News Agency, the new cohort features startups from 14 countries, with 88 percent joining from international markets, thus bringing the total number of startups in Hub71's ecosystem to 644. Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, highlighted the growing depth and maturity of the companies, which span from Pre-Seed to Series A stages and are aligned with Abu Dhabi's economic priorities. Notably, 90 percent of the startups in the cohort incorporate AI as a core component of their technologies.
All 40 startups will participate in Hub71's Access Programme, which includes tracks such as Hub71+ Digital Assets, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Life Sciences. Additionally, six startups have been selected through Anjal Z, focusing on early childhood challenges. The cohort includes innovative companies like TurinTech AI from the UK, Remarkable AI from the US, and the Emirati-founded Mosadad.
The Hub71+ Life Sciences track saw significant growth, with applications almost doubling from the previous cohort. Notable startups include Avesta 76 Therapeutics and SernaBio, both headquartered in the US. The Hub71+ ClimateTech and Digital Assets tracks also welcomed companies like Roslin Technologies and Amantrue, respectively.
Cohort 19 also marks the first intake through Hub71's pathway into Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) cluster, attracting over 100 applications. Startups like Autolane, Robox, and Sinaha Technology have been selected for their innovative contributions.
Six startups joining the Anjal Z cohort will focus on education, accessibility, and neurodevelopmental care, including UAE-headquartered TAIA and ConnectHear. Hub71's Access Programme will provide these startups with mentorship, workshops, and investor access, alongside up to AED500,000 in incentives.
Hub71 remains committed to fostering Abu Dhabi's technology ecosystem by attracting startups and facilitating growth, funding, and partnerships, thereby enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship's role in the emirate's economic diversification and global competitiveness.