- What
- AED 250K in-kind plus AED 250K cash via SAFE note; up to AED 250K more via Access.
- Who
- Pre-Seed to Series A startups with at least one founder relocating to Abu Dhabi.
- Cost
- Equity — via SAFE note
- From abroad
- Open to companies from abroad — At least one founder of accepted startups expected to relocate long-term and build a team in Abu Dhabi All programmes open to founders from abroad →
- Status
- Open · taking applications
Checked · September 2026 · hub71.com · How we check ↗
In detail
Hub71 is a tech ecosystem / accelerator in the UAE. Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, backed by Mubadala and ADDED, based in ADGM. Access Programme: AED 250,000 of in-kind incentives plus AED 250,000 in cash for equity via SAFE note, with a top-up of up to AED 250,000 for high-performing startups. Cohort 21 applications open — deadline February 2027, programme starts September 2027. Also runs Initiate (ideation and pre-MVP founders) and the MZN x Hub71 programme with the Khalifa Fund for Emirati founders. Specialist tracks for AI, Web3, ClimateTech.
- Amount
- AED 250K in-kind + AED 250K cash via SAFE note · top-up up to AED 250K (Access Programme)
- Terms
- Yes — via SAFE note
- Eligibility
- Pre-Seed to Series A; at least one founder relocating to Abu Dhabi
- Sectors
- AI, ClimateTech, Web3
- Benefits
- Support towards housing, office space and health insurance
- AWS Activate credits
- ADGM tech licence
- Status
- Open — Hub71’s own application page reads “Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort 21. The current deadline is February 2027, and the programme starts in September 2027.” Only the month is published, no closing day (checked September 2026)
What the source says
“To benefit from the programme and the Abu Dhabi ecosystem, at least one founder of the start-ups accepted to the Access Programme is expected to move to Abu Dhabi.”
“Backed by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and Mubadala Investment Company.”
“based in the flourishing metropolis of Abu Dhabi, in the city's prestigious, award-winning international finance center, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)”
“AED 250,000 worth of flexible incentives ... AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note”
“additional AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity by the end of the one year program”
“Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort 21. The current deadline is February 2027, and the programme starts in September 2027.”
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Sources
Primary source · hub71.com · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/hub71ad · Checked September 2026