Abu Dhabi just went all-in on artificial intelligence — and the numbers are jaw-dropping. Hub71 has introduced its 17th cohort, featuring 26 high-growth startups, the most AI-driven lineup the emirate has seen to date. Collectively, they’ve raised a whopping USD 223 million (AED 818 million), setting a new record for the innovation hub.
Abu Dhabi’s AI Power Play
Over 80% of the selected startups are developing AI-powered solutions across HealthTech, FinTech, ClimateTech, and beyond. From precision medicine and carbon capture to blockchain and Web3 innovations, the companies reflect the capital’s growing influence as a global technology launchpad.
Hub71+ Ecosystem Driving Growth
The move comes alongside the launch of Hub71+ AI, a specialized ecosystem backed by AI71, Core42, AWS, and Google for Startups. The goal? To accelerate breakthroughs across industries while cementing Abu Dhabi’s status as a magnet for world-class founders.
Global Reach, Local Impact
This year’s cohort was selected from 2,000 global applicants spanning 12 countries, with 74% of the chosen startups headquartered outside the UAE. From the U.S. to Singapore and India, founders are choosing Abu Dhabi as their growth base thanks to investor confidence, financial incentives, and unmatched market access.
Cohort Highlights
- Harmonic Discovery (USA): AI for precision therapies, with $8.5m in funding.
- Planys Technologies (India): Underwater robots for diver-free inspections, raised $7.2m.
- SunGreenH2 (Singapore): High-efficiency electrolysers for green hydrogen, with $6.6m.
- Resolv Labs (UAE): Crypto investment platform, raised $12.5m.
And that’s just scratching the surface of this AI-packed lineup.
Why It Matters
With AED 500,000 in support packages (and up to AED 1 million for top performers), startups are primed to scale fast while plugging into Abu Dhabi’s market and investor network.
“These startups embody the ambition and caliber we aim to attract,” said Hub71 CEO Ahmad Ali Alwan. “Their decision to grow in Abu Dhabi underscores our ecosystem’s global strength.”
It’s official: when it comes to Abu Dhabi news and updates, AI is front and center — and Hub71 is leading the charge.
