Why is Hub71 Attracting the World’s Leading Startups?

Abu Dhabi's leading global tech ecosystem, Hub71, has recently added 27 startups as part of Cohort 16, spanning across its key programs: Hub71 Access, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Digital Assets. With this addition, Hub71 is now home to 357 ventures, all contributing to Abu Dhabi’s drive towards economic diversification through innovation and technology.

The latest batch of startups has collectively raised over USD 145 million (AED 532 million) in funding, which averages around USD 4.9 million (AED 18 million) per startup. This is a significant reflection of Hub71's ongoing success in attracting companies with the potential to advance Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors. By joining Hub71, these startups are establishing operations in Abu Dhabi and gaining access to an extensive network of investors, mentors, and resources to scale their ventures and foster impactful growth.

Cohort 16 was selected from a pool of over 1,300 applications, with 63 percent of the startups headquartered in leading tech hubs such as the USA, UK, and Germany. Among the most notable additions to Hub71 Access is Vivan Therapeutics, a UK-based precision medicine company using AI and fruit fly models to develop personalised cancer treatments. Vivan Therapeutics has raised USD 10 million (AED 36 million), underscoring its pioneering work in cancer research.

Meanwhile, the Hub71+ ClimateTech program welcomed Theion, a German startup specialising in sustainable, sulfur-based batteries that can store up to three times more energy than traditional batteries. On the Hub71+ Digital Assetsfront, Redbrick, a South Korean startup developing a cloud-based 3D creation engine powered by AI and blockchain, has raised USD 16.3 million (AED 59.8 million).

A key highlight of Cohort 16 is the fact that one in three startups is based in the UAE, solidifying the nation's status as a thriving global entrepreneurship hub. Among the homegrown startups is Qashio, a spend management platform that has raised USD 10 million (AED 36 million), and Switch Foods, a FoodTech company producing locally-made plant-based meats. Switch Foods, which has raised USD 12.5 million (AED 45.9 million), recently launched Abu Dhabi’s first-ever plant-based meat production facility, marking a significant milestone for sustainable food innovation.

In discussing the significance of Cohort 16, Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, emphasised how this cohort underscores the global confidence in Hub71 as a launchpad for transformative ideas. Alwan pointed out that the selection process was highly competitive, highlighting the exceptional caliber of the chosen startups. These companies are advancing innovation across critical sectors such as FinTech, ClimateTech, HealthTech, EdTech, and Mobility & Logistics, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global tech hub.

Notably, more than half of the selected startups in Cohort 16 are in their Seed or Series A stages, positioning them for significant growth in Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem. With their participation in Hub71's Access and Hub71+programs, these startups will have access to a robust community of mentors, partners, and investors. By leveraging these resources, they can capitalise on market opportunities, attract investment, secure commercial deals, and ultimately drive market expansion.

Hub71’s growing ecosystem continues to fuel innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in Abu Dhabi, fostering a vibrant environment for tech-driven solutions to thrive. This latest cohort is a testament to the strong global confidence in Abu Dhabi as a fertile ground for the next wave of cutting-edge ideas and businesses.