Post by : Badri Ariffin

Hub71, the thriving technology ecosystem based in Abu Dhabi, has selected 27 promising startups for its Access Programme in Cohort 18 after an astonishing total of 2,453 applications from 112 nations.

The selection process was fierce, demonstrating a mere 1.1 percent acceptance rate. Collectively, the selected startups have amassed nearly AED 844.7 million in funding, with an average of AED 31.2 million per venture, indicating strong investment readiness and market potential.

This is the first time all the chosen startups hail from outside the UAE, underscoring Abu Dhabi's rising status as a prime spot for international innovators seeking to enter global markets. These startups are finalizing their licensing and establishing their operations in the capital.

Hub71 revealed that 31 percent of the submissions came through referrals from its partner and founder networks, showcasing growing trust in the ecosystem and the efficacy of community-driven recommendations.

The 27 startups will participate in either Hub71’s general Access Programme or its specialized platforms: Hub71+ Digital Assets, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Life Sciences. Within the cohort, seven startups are reporting to Hub71+ Life Sciences, six to Hub71+ Digital Assets, and five to Hub71+ ClimateTech.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, noted that this cohort reflects an increasing interest among global startups in scaling their operations from Abu Dhabi. The chosen companies are pioneering technologies with significant commercial prospects and opportunities for global expansion.

Among the distinguished startups joining the initiative is EchoTwin AI from the United States. This company converts municipal fleets into dynamic mobile sensing networks, generating real-time digital twins that assist cities in monitoring infrastructures and ensuring compliance. With AED 29.4 million in funding, its potential is considerable.

From Kenya, Duck also makes the list, providing a retail data platform that unifies sales and inventory management systems, facilitating better stock control and minimizing lost sales. Duck has raised AED 1.1 million thus far.

Included in Hub71+ Life Sciences is UK's Amilis, which secured AED 5.9 million to develop an AI-enabled clinical decision-support platform aimed at enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of complex reproductive health issues.

Joining Hub71+ Digital Assets is Wingbits from Sweden, which maintains a worldwide network of tracking stations for real-time flight data and air traffic insights, having raised AED 34.5 million in funding.

Among the selected startups of Hub71+ ClimateTech is Persium from the UK, which aims to develop advanced air-quality sensors and AI-driven digital twin technologies to combat pollution, having raised AED 6.2 million.

The new cohort features startups from 12 different countries, representing businesses ranging from Pre-Seed to Series A stages. This year's selection highlights a strengthening innovation partnership between the UAE and India, with Indian companies Uravu Labs, specializing in water tech, and Endimension Technology, an AI-powered radiology platform, both securing spots in the program.

Three startups from Hong Kong—Pubrio, Craftt, and KPay—also joined this cohort after their participation in Hub71’s Hong Kong Immersion Programme. Their selection shows the initiative's success in promoting long-term international operations in Abu Dhabi. KPay, a fintech platform helping businesses manage their payments and financial operations, has secured AED 238.7 million and is expanding from Abu Dhabi.

Through the 12-month Access Programme, Hub71 will extend up to AED 250,000 in in-kind support and an additional AED 250,000 in cash via a SAFE note to the selected startups. Participants will benefit from mentorship, investor networking, regulatory support, and connections to corporate and government partners, with high-performing startups potentially qualifying for further resources to speed up their international growth.

With Cohort 18 added, Hub71’s ecosystem now encompasses 525 startups, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as one of the fastest-growing hubs for innovation and technology in the MENA region.

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