Hub71 Welcomes 27 Global Startups to Cohort 18
Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, has selected 27 startups to join its Access Program under Cohort 18. The selection followed a record-breaking 2,453 applications from 112 countries, demonstrating growing international interest in the ecosystem.
The chosen startups have raised an average of $8.4 million (AED 31.2 million). Collectively, they have secured nearly $230 million (AED 844.7 million) in funding. As a result, the cohort reflects a strong level of market readiness and growth potential.
With only 27 startups accepted, Cohort 18 recorded a highly competitive acceptance rate of 1.1 percent. Moreover, for the first time, every selected startup is headquartered outside the UAE. This milestone highlights Abu Dhabi’s increasing appeal as a destination for founders seeking international expansion opportunities.
All selected companies are currently completing licensing procedures and establishing operations in Abu Dhabi. Consequently, the process showcases the ease of setting up and scaling a business from the emirate.
Startups Expand Across Strategic Sectors
According to Hub71, all 27 startups will join either its sector-agnostic Access Program or one of its specialist ecosystems. These include Hub71+ Digital Assets, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Life Sciences.
The sector distribution aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic priorities. Therefore, the ecosystem continues to support innovation in regulated digital finance, climate technologies, industrial solutions, and healthcare.
Seven startups will join Hub71+ Life Sciences. Meanwhile, six startups will enter Hub71+ Digital Assets, while five will participate in Hub71+ ClimateTech.
Notably, 31 percent of applications came through partner and founder referrals. This trend reflects strong confidence in the ecosystem and highlights the growing role of community-driven recommendations in attracting high-growth ventures.
Ecosystem Growth Accelerates
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, emphasized the significance of the latest cohort.
“Cohort 18 reflects the continued flow of startups choosing to build from Abu Dhabi. The companies joining us are developing technologies with clear market applications and the ability to scale. Here, we enable founders to secure commercial traction and capital, and to grow from Abu Dhabi into global markets.”
With the addition of Cohort 18, Hub71’s startup ecosystem has expanded to 525 companies. Furthermore, this growth strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the fastest-growing innovation ecosystems across the Middle East and North Africa region.
