Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Abu Dhabi's Hub71, a thriving global technology ecosystem, has announced the selection of 27 innovative startups for its Access Programme in Cohort 18, following an overwhelming 2,453 applications from 112 countries.
With an acceptance rate of only 1.1%, the selection process was intensely competitive. Collectively, the selected startups have secured almost AED 844.7 million, averaging AED 31.2 million each, indicating robust market opportunities and investment readiness among this cohort.
In a significant first, all selected companies are based outside the UAE, underscoring Abu Dhabi's emerging status as a hotspot for global entrepreneurs eager to tap into international markets. These startups are currently finalizing their licensing and setting up their operations in the city.
A noteworthy 31% of applications originated through Hub71's partner and founder networks, highlighting enhanced confidence in the ecosystem and the power of community-driven referrals.
The cohort will either join Hub71's flexible Access Programme or one of its specialized platforms: Hub71+ Digital Assets, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Life Sciences. Out of 27, seven startups will be in Life Sciences, six in Digital Assets, and five in ClimateTech.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, emphasized that this latest cohort showcases the sustained global interest in establishing and expanding ventures from Abu Dhabi. He mentioned that the selected startups are promising companies with great commercial potential.
Featured among the selected startups is EchoTwin AI from the USA, which transforms municipal fleets into real-time monitoring networks that help cities address infrastructure and compliance challenges, having raised AED 29.4 million.
Additionally, Kenyan startup Duck specializes in a retail data platform that integrates sales and inventory systems, enhancing stock management—having raised AED 1.1 million.
From the Hub71+ Life Sciences platform, UK-based Amilis, with AED 5.9 million raised, is developing an AI-driven clinical support platform to improve reproductive health diagnostics.
Wingbits from Sweden, which provides a global network for tracking flight data and air traffic, joins Hub71+ Digital Assets, boasting AED 34.5 million in funding.
The ClimateTech segment welcomes UK’s Persium, which focuses on creating advanced air-quality sensors and AI technology to combat pollution, with a total of AED 6.2 million raised.
Cohort 18 showcases diversity, featuring startups from 12 nations and spanning Pre-Seed to Series A stages. Two Indian startups, Uravu Labs, which focuses on water tech, and Endimension Technology, an AI radiology platform, are notable inclusions, further enhancing UAE-India innovation ties.
Three startups from Hong Kong—Pubrio, Craftt, and KPay—have also made it into Cohort 18, demonstrating the success of Hub71's Hong Kong Immersion Programme aimed at fostering international entrepreneurship in Abu Dhabi. KPay, which manages payment and financial solutions, has raised AED 238.7 million.
Throughout its annual Access Programme, Hub71 will extend up to AED 250,000 in support, alongside mentoring, investor connections, and regulatory guidance, empowering high-performing startups for international growth opportunities.
With this expansion, Hub71 now hosts 525 startups, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's status as a leading innovation hub in the MENA region.
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