Hub71, a global tech ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, offers the Access Programme to support high-potential startups looking to establish themselves in Abu Dhabi and expand globally. The programme provides a comprehensive support package, including financial and in-kind incentives, mentorship, and access to Hub71’s community of capital partners, corporate partners, mentors, and service providers, creating a direct route into the UAE capital’s marketplace.
Program Overview
• Program Focus: Supports sector-agnostic pre-seed to Series A startups looking to establish themselves in Abu Dhabi and expand globally.
• Duration: A 12-month programme providing support for market entry, growth, fundraising, and scaling from Abu Dhabi.
• Key Feature: Includes a guided track powered by Techstars, offering access to mentors and tailored advice to accelerate growth.
• Founder Commitment: At least one founder is expected to commit to relocating long-term and building a team out of Abu Dhabi.
Benefits and Incentives
• Initial Funding: Startups receive AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note.
• In-Kind Incentives: Startups receive AED 250,000 in flexible in-kind incentives that can be used with selected service providers.
• Performance-Based Funding: High-performing startups committed to Abu Dhabi may be eligible for a top-up of up to AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity after programme completion or after one year.
• Support Services: Incentives may cover office space, health insurance, housing, workforce support, licensing and visa support, marketing, legal and financial support, back-office support, upskilling, and growth marketing.
Program Structure
• Program Launch: Startups define key priorities, set KPIs, and identify areas for growth to establish a strong foundation.
• Market Entry Preparation: Startups receive guidance on entering Abu Dhabi, understanding the UAE business environment, and navigating the regional investor and corporate landscape.
• Corporate Partner Introductions: Hub71 facilitates introductions to corporate partners and ecosystem stakeholders to explore collaboration, pilot, and commercial opportunities.
• Growth Acceleration: The programme focuses on key growth areas including fundraising, market expansion, customer acquisition, and team scaling.
• Fundraising Showcase: Startups may take part in investor-facing activities designed to support fundraising and visibility within Hub71’s capital network.
• Ongoing Support: Throughout the programme, startups receive continued access to Hub71’s network, mentors, partners, and vetted service providers.
Application Requirements
• Application Form: Applicants must complete an online application covering the startup overview, problem, solution, product, market, traction, team, and business model.
• Pitch Deck: A PDF pitch deck is required and should typically include the problem, solution, value proposition, business model, competition, market opportunity, traction, funds raised, founding team, and plans for Hub71 and Abu Dhabi.
Selection Process
• Round 1 — Application Review: Hub71’s sourcing and selection team reviews submitted applications.
• Round 2 — Founder Meetings: Shortlisted founders meet with the Hub71 team.
• Round 3 — Partner Meetings: Selected founders meet with Hub71 partners who participate in the evaluation process.
• Round 4 — Final Selection: A final selection committee makes admission decisions based on factors such as the team, market opportunity, traction, growth potential, and plans for Abu Dhabi.
Application Timeline for Cohort 20
• Application Deadline: The current deadline for Cohort 20 is August 2, 2026.
• Application Review Period: Applications submitted before the deadline are reviewed as part of the Cohort 20 selection cycle.
• Applicant Feedback: Applicants can expect to receive updates on their status after review by Hub71.
• Program Start Date: The Cohort 20 programme is expected to begin in February 2027.
• Continuous Applications: Applications remain open, and submissions received after the cohort deadline may be considered for a future cohort.
The Access Programme is designed as a launchpad for startups aiming to scale globally from Abu Dhabi. By leveraging Abu Dhabi’s business-friendly environment, strategic location, and growing technology ecosystem, the programme connects founders with corporate partners, investors, mentors, and service providers to support commercial growth, fundraising, market expansion, and long-term presence in the UAE.