Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, has admitted its most AI-focused group of companies to date, welcoming 26 high-growth startups to its 17th cohort.
Collectively, the startups have raised more than US$223 million (AED 818 million), the largest funding amount recorded for any Hub71 intake, reflecting both the scale of firms joining and investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s role in advanced technologies.
Over 80% of the selected startups are developing AI-driven solutions targeting key sectors such as health technology, financial technology and climate technology.
Their entry into Abu Dhabi comes as the emirate seeks to broaden its economic base and strengthen its position in the global AI sector, supported by the launch of Hub71+ AI.
The initiative, backed by AI71, Core42, Amazon Web Services and Google for Startups, aims to encourage collaboration and innovation across industries.
The 17th cohort was chosen from more than 2,000 applications worldwide, with participants representing 12 countries, including the US, UK, Singapore, France, Canada, Egypt and India.
Around 74% of the startups are headquartered outside the UAE, signalling Abu Dhabi’s appeal to founders seeking funding, customers and international expansion.
The majority are at seed stage, in line with Hub71’s focus on supporting early-stage businesses.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive Officer of Hub71, said:
“The startups joining Cohort 17 reflect the ambition and calibre of founders we are welcoming into our community. Backed by strong funding and building technologies with broad market applications, they are pursuing growth globally. Their decision to build from Abu Dhabi highlights the strength of our ecosystem and its position as a global launchpad for innovation.”
Among the companies joining are Harmonic Discovery, a US biotechnology firm using AI to design precision therapies for diseases such as sickle cell, which has raised US$8.5 million (AED 31.2 million), and Planys Technologies from India, which develops autonomous underwater robots and smart sensors for diver-free inspections, having secured US$7.2 million (AED 26.4 million).
Six startups are addressing environmental challenges, supported by the Hub71+ ClimateTech initiative.
One example is Singapore’s SunGreenH2, which builds electrolysers to produce green hydrogen for industrial, energy and mobility applications and has raised US$6.6 million (AED 24.2 million).
Eight others are developing blockchain and Web3 technologies, including Resolv Labs, a UAE-based crypto investment platform with US$12.5 million (AED 46 million) in funding.
Startups admitted to the cohort will enter Hub71’s Access programme, which offers in-kind and financial support of up to AED 500,000, with the possibility of a further AED 1 million in follow-on incentives for top performers after one year.
They will also have access to Hub71’s network of investors, potential customers, and local talent.
The latest intake highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role in the development of AI and technology-led industries.
Featured image credit: Hub71
