Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem Hub71 has selected 27 international startups to join its Cohort 18 Access Program, following a record-breaking application cycle that attracted 2,453 startups from 112 countries.
The latest intake represents an acceptance rate of just 1.1%, underscoring the growing international demand to establish businesses within Abu Dhabi’s expanding innovation ecosystem.
Startups Bring More Than AED844 Million in Funding
The selected companies have collectively raised nearly AED844.7 million in funding, averaging approximately AED31.2 million per startup. All 27 companies are headquartered outside the UAE and are currently obtaining licenses and establishing operations in Abu Dhabi.
The cohort includes startups from 12 countries, spanning development stages from pre-seed to Series A, reflecting Hub71’s continued focus on attracting high-growth technology companies from global markets.
AI, ClimateTech and Digital Assets Among Key Focus Areas
While Hub71’s Access Program remains sector-agnostic, selected startups will also participate in several specialist ecosystems. Seven companies will join Hub71+ Life Sciences, six will enter Hub71+ Digital Assets, and five will participate in Hub71+ ClimateTech.
According to Hub71, nearly 31% of applications were submitted through referrals from its partner organizations and founder network, highlighting the ecosystem’s expanding international reach.
Global Innovation Across Multiple Industries
The selected startups operate across a diverse range of industries, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, financial technology, climate technology, mobility, aviation and water innovation.
Among the companies joining the program are EchoTwin AI from the United States, which develops AI-powered digital twin technology for municipal infrastructure; Amilis from the United Kingdom, focused on AI-assisted clinical decision support for reproductive healthcare; Wingbits from Sweden, which operates a decentralized flight-tracking network; and Persium, a UK-based ClimateTech company developing air-quality monitoring solutions.
The cohort also includes startups from Kenya, India and Hong Kong, with several companies joining Hub71 after participating in international partnership initiatives such as the Hub71 Hong Kong Immersion Program.
Supporting International Expansion into Abu Dhabi
Each selected startup will participate in Hub71’s 12-month Access Program, which provides up to AED250,000 in in-kind support and an additional AED250,000 through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) note. Participants also receive mentorship, investor introductions, regulatory guidance and opportunities to collaborate with government entities and corporate partners.
With the addition of Cohort 18, Hub71’s ecosystem now includes 525 companies, further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional destination for technology entrepreneurship and venture-backed innovation.
Why It Matters
Global startup ecosystems are increasingly competing to attract high-growth technology companies by offering access to funding, regulatory support and strategic partnerships. Hub71’s record application numbers and highly selective acceptance rate highlight Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal among international founders seeking to expand into the Middle East. By attracting startups across sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital assets, life sciences and climate technology, Hub71 continues to strengthen the emirate’s innovation ecosystem while supporting the UAE’s long-term strategy to build a diversified, knowledge-based economy.
