Hub71+ Life Sciences is a specialized ecosystem in Abu Dhabi dedicated to fostering innovation in biotechnology, MedTech, and digital health. It unites founders, researchers, regulators, investors, and corporate entities to develop next-generation healthcare solutions. By integrating policy, capital, corporate partnerships, research, and talent, Hub71+ Life Sciences provides a platform for founders to redefine the discovery, development, and delivery of health innovation from Abu Dhabi to a global stage.
Program Benefits
• Thriving Ecosystem: Participate in Abu Dhabi’s expanding life sciences ecosystem, collaborating with local and international players.
• Curated Community: Engage with an emerging community focused on biotechnology, precision medicine, advanced therapies, and biomanufacturing.
• Partner Programs: Gain early access to information about partner program launches and special initiatives.
• Networking Events: Connect with professionals and peers at regularly scheduled networking events.
• Mentorship: Receive tailored guidance from global experts, healthcare leaders, and experienced founders to help operate and scale from Abu Dhabi.
• Talent & R&D: Access leading universities, research centers, and laboratories to support development and growth.
Program Structure and Timeline
• Program Launch (4 weeks): Startups establish KPIs and identify key growth areas to build a solid foundation for entering the UAE marketplace.
• Market Entry Preparation (4 weeks): This phase prepares startups for the MENA region by providing guidance on the UAE's corporate environment and investor landscape.
• Corporate Partners Introduction: Hub71 facilitates introductions to key partners within its network to explore potential collaboration opportunities.
• Growth Acceleration (4 weeks): The program focuses on critical areas such as fundraising, market expansion, and team scaling to accelerate startup success.
• Fundraising Showcase: An event where startups meet with VCs from the ecosystem, leading to a public Demo Day to present their progress.
• Ongoing Support: Throughout the 12-month program, startups receive continuous support through access to vetted service providers, utilizing incentives to enhance their growth.
Funding and Incentives
• Initial Support: Onboarded startups receive AED 250,000 worth of in-kind incentives for support services and AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note.
• Performance-Based Top-Up: 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 upon program completion or after one year.
Application Details and Timeline
• Current Cohort: Applications are being accepted for Cohort 20, with a deadline of August 2, 2026. The program is scheduled to begin in February 2027.
• Application Review Period: For Cohort 20, applications will be reviewed between June and November 2026. Applicants can expect feedback on their status within three months of submission.
• Selection Rounds: The process includes four stages: Application review, a meeting with the Hub71 team, a meeting with Hub71 partners, and a final selection committee.
• Continuous Applications: Applications submitted after a cohort deadline will be automatically considered for the subsequent cohort.
Eligibility and Requirements
• Application Form: Startups must complete all required fields in the application form.
• Stage: Pre-seed to Series A.
• Pitch Deck: A PDF pitch deck is required, highlighting sections on the problem, solution, value proposition, business model, competition, market, traction, funds raised, and the founding team.
• Abu Dhabi Presence: The pitch deck should detail the startup's plans for Hub71 and Abu Dhabi. At least one founder is expected to commit to relocating long-term and building a team in Abu Dhabi.
Partner Network
• Founding Partners: Department of Health, Emirates Drug Establishment, ADIO HELM.
• Anchor Partners: Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Ultrahuman.
• Capital Partners: Global Ventures, Globivest Capital, Nuwa Capital.
• Corporate Partners: Masdar City, New Medical Center.
• Talent Partners: NYU Abu Dhabi.
The Hub71+ Life Sciences program offers a comprehensive framework for health-focused startups aiming to scale. Through its strategic partnerships, structured support, and access to capital, it provides a unique opportunity for innovators to thrive within Abu Dhabi's dynamic ecosystem and make a global impact.