Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has selected 27 startups to join its Access Program as part of Cohort 18, following a record 2,453 applications from 112 countries.
The selected startups have raised an average of $8.4 million (AED 31.2 million), with total funding of nearly $230 million (AED 844.7 million), reflecting the calibre and market readiness of companies choosing Abu Dhabi as a base for international growth.
With 27 startups selected, Cohort 18 represents a highly competitive 1.1 percent acceptance rate. For the first time, 100 percent of the selected startups are headquartered outside the UAE, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s appeal to founders worldwide as a leading global tech startup hub that attracts and anchors high-growth ventures within its ecosystem.
All selected startups are currently undergoing licensing and establishing operations in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating the ease with which startups can establish and operate from Abu Dhabi.
Ahmad Ali Alwan CEO – Hub71
“Cohort 18 reflects the continued flow of startups choosing to build from Abu Dhabi. The companies joining us are developing technologies with clear market applications and the ability to scale. Here, we enable founders to secure commercial traction and capital, and to grow from Abu Dhabi into global markets.”
Hub71 drives expansion of Abu Dhabi’s technology ecosystem
Notably, 31 percent of applications were referred through its partner and founder networks, underscoring strong confidence in the ecosystem and the increasing role of community-driven sourcing in attracting high-growth startups.
According to the statement, all 27 startups will enter its sector-agnostic Access program or specialist ecosystems: Hub71+ Digital Assets, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Life Sciences.
The mix reflects Abu Dhabi’s priorities in building new engines of growth across regulated digital finance, climate and industrial technologies, and health innovation. Seven startups will join Hub71+ Life Sciences, alongside six in Hub71+ Digital Assets and five in Hub71+ ClimateTech.
With the latest cohort, Hub71’s startup ecosystem has grown to 525 companies, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the fastest-growing emerging innovation ecosystems in MENA, as per the statement.
