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Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s premier technology ecosystem, has announced its 17th startup cohort, marking its most AI-intensive group to date. This year, Hub71 has welcomed 26 high-growth startups, collectively raising over AED 818 million. This is the highest funding amount achieved by any cohort in Hub71’s history, showing the quality of startups emerging from Abu Dhabi and the growing confidence of investors in the emirate as a global centre for advanced technologies.

Focus on AI and Critical Sectors

More than 80% of the startups joining Cohort 17 are developing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. These startups aim to solve important problems across major sectors such as HealthTech, FinTech, and ClimateTech. By doing so, they contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification while strengthening its position in the global AI landscape.

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This growth is further supported by Hub71+ AI, a specialized ecosystem that encourages cross-sector AI innovation. Hub71+ AI works with strong partners, including AI71, Core42, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google for Startups, to create opportunities for startups to build and scale breakthrough technologies.

International Reach and Selection Process

Cohort 17 was selected from a competitive pool of over 2,000 applications from around the world. The startups come from 12 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, France, Canada, Egypt, and India. Interestingly, 74% of these startups are headquartered outside the UAE, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal for international founders seeking investment, customers, and global growth.

Most of the startups in this cohort are at the seed stage, which aligns with Hub71’s goal of helping early-stage startups grow into strong, international companies.

Leadership Perspective

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, expressed his excitement about the new cohort: “The startups joining Cohort 17 reflect the ambition and calibre of founders we are welcoming into our community. Backed by strong funding and building technologies with broad market applications, they are pursuing growth globally. Their decision to build from Abu Dhabi highlights the strength of our ecosystem and its position as a global launchpad for innovation.”

Notable Startups in Cohort 17

Several startups in this cohort stand out due to their innovative solutions and impressive funding:

• Harmonic Discovery: A US-based biotech company using AI to design precision therapies for difficult-to-treat diseases like sickle cell disease. Harmonic Discovery has raised AED 31.2 million in funding.

• Planys Technologies: Based in India, this company develops autonomous underwater robots and smart sensors for diver-free inspections. It has raised AED 26.4 million.

ClimateTech and Environmental Solutions

Six startups in Cohort 17 are focused on environmental challenges. They will benefit from the Hub71+ ClimateTech ecosystem, which helps them grow faster and increase their impact.

One notable example is SunGreenH2, a Singapore-based company building high-efficiency electrolysers to produce green hydrogen for industrial, energy, and transportation use. SunGreenH2 has raised AED 24.2 million in funding.

Blockchain and Web3 Innovation

Eight startups in Cohort 17 will focus on blockchain and Web3 technologies. These companies will gain support from the Hub71+ Digital Assets ecosystem, which accelerates growth in the digital economy.

Among these is Resolv Labs, a UAE-based crypto investment platform that has raised AED 46 million, showing strong investor interest in digital financial technologies.

Hub71 Access Programme

Startups joining Cohort 17 will participate in Hub71’s Access programme. This programme provides a comprehensive support package, which includes:

• Up to AED 500,000 in cash and in-kind incentives.

• Opportunities for top-performing startups to receive up to AED 1 million in follow-on support after completing one year at Hub71.

In addition to funding, startups gain access to Hub71’s extensive network, Abu Dhabi’s market, skilled talent, and investor connections. This gives startups the tools and resources needed to grow quickly and succeed on a global scale.

Abu Dhabi’s Growing Role in Global AI

The addition of Cohort 17 further establishes Abu Dhabi as a global hub for AI and technology innovation. By attracting international founders and high-growth startups, the emirate is positioning itself as a central player in shaping the future of AI-driven industries.

Hub71’s ecosystem not only supports the growth of early-stage startups but also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s strategy to diversify its economy, create knowledge-based jobs, and contribute to solving global challenges through technology.

Cohort 17 represents a major milestone for Hub71, showcasing the quality and ambition of startups choosing Abu Dhabi as their growth base. With strong funding, international talent, and innovative technologies across AI, ClimateTech, HealthTech, FinTech, and blockchain, these startups will accelerate Abu Dhabi’s position on the global technology map.

The future looks promising, as Abu Dhabi continues to provide an attractive environment for startups, investors, and global technology pioneers, making it a leading destination for innovation in AI and emerging technologies.