The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, have opened applications for the 2026 Cohort of Anjal Z. This experiential fellowship programme is designed to support global startups that are developing solutions to address challenges in early childhood. The initiative is part of a strategic agreement that integrates Anjal Z into a dedicated track within Hub71’s flagship Access Programme, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a launchpad for purpose-driven technologies.
Program Overview
• Program Name: Anjal Z
• Organizers: Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and Hub71
• Target Audience: Early and growth-stage startups
• Focus Areas: Innovative solutions in areas including child obesity, Arabic literacy, and child mental health.
• Objective: To invite startups to localize, pilot, scale, and deploy their technologies within Abu Dhabi’s early childhood ecosystem.
• Cohort Size: Five startups will be selected for the program.
• Program History: Since its launch in 2020, Anjal Z has supported more than 45 global startups in developing and validating their products in Abu Dhabi.
Benefits and Support
• Financial Support: Selected startups will receive AED 500,000 each.
• Funding Breakdown: The support comprises AED 250,000 in incentives and AED 250,000 via a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) note.
• Ecosystem Access: Participants gain access to Hub71’s ecosystem and market access through its network of government, capital, and corporate partners.
• Pilot and Funding Pathways: In collaboration with ECA, startups will receive tailored support to facilitate their pilot programs and funding pathways to help validate impact and build market traction.
• Networking Opportunities: The program provides access to partnerships, industry contacts, market entry pathways, and investment opportunities.
Selection and Application Process
• Selection Leadership: The startup selection process will be led by Hub71.
• ECA Involvement: The ECA will participate across all evaluation stages and contribute to the final cohort decisions to ensure alignment with Abu Dhabi’s early childhood priorities.
• Post-Program Monitoring: Both entities will track the progress and impact of the startups for up to three years following the program's completion to support sustained outcomes.
• Eligibility: The program seeks startups that are impact-driven, scalable, and ready to be tested in-market.
• Application Deadline: Applications for the 2026 Cohort will close on February 28, 2026.
• Application Information: Eligibility criteria and application details can be found via the Anjal Z and Hub71 platforms.
This partnership empowers founders who are building solutions for children, families, and communities by combining Hub71's entrepreneurial infrastructure with the ECA's regulatory expertise and institutional network. Together, the collaboration aims to create pathways for high-potential startups to pilot, scale, and drive measurable change across Abu Dhabi, strengthening how early childhood innovation moves from concept to real-world implementation.