Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem Hub71 has selected 27 startups to join its Access Programme as part of Cohort 18. The intake followed a record 2,453 applications from 112 countries, marking the program’s most competitive round yet.
The cohort sets a notable milestone. For the first time, every selected startup is headquartered outside the UAE. The selection process proved fiercely competitive, producing an acceptance rate of just 1.1%. According to Hub71, the chosen startups have collectively raised nearly $230 million in funding, averaging $8.5 million per company. That figure reflects the growing maturity of businesses entering the program.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71 , said:
“Cohort 18 reflects the continued flow of startups choosing to build from Abu Dhabi. The companies joining us are developing technologies with clear market application and the ability to scale. At Hub71, we enable founders to secure commercial traction and capital, and to grow from Abu Dhabi into global markets.”
The 27 startups will join either Hub71’s sector-agnostic Access Programme or one of its specialist ecosystems. Those focus on digital assets, climate technology, and life sciences. Seven startups were selected for Hub71+ Life Sciences, six for Hub71+ Digital Assets, and five for Hub71+ ClimateTech.
The selected companies span India, Kenya, Sweden, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Standouts include US-based EchoTwin AI, which builds digital twin technology for municipal infrastructure monitoring, Sweden’s Wingbits, a real-time flight tracking platform, and UK-based Amilis, an AI-powered reproductive health startup. Hub71 also highlighted Indian startups Uravu Labs and Endimension Technology, alongside three Hong Kong companies that previously joined its Hong Kong Immersion Programme.
Selected startups will take part in Hub71’s 12-month Access Programme. The program provides up to AED 500,000 in support through a mix of in-kind incentives and funding. It also opens access to mentors, investors, regulators, and corporate partners.
With Cohort 18, Hub71‘s ecosystem now includes 525 startups. The growth further cements Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the region’s fastest-growing technology and innovation hubs.
