- 26 high-growth startups selected for Hub71’s 17th Cohort, collectively securing over USD 223 million (AED 818 million) – the largest funding total for any cohort to date
- 81% of the startups are AI-driven, developing solutions across Abu Dhabi’s priority sectors, including healthcare, finance, energy, and ClimateTech
- Majority of companies are seed-stage ventures from 12 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and India
Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has welcomed its most AI-focused cohort to date, with 26 high-growth startups joining its 17th Cohort. Collectively, these companies have raised over USD 223 million (AED 818 million) — the highest total funding achieved by any Hub71 cohort, highlighting both the strength of Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem and growing investor confidence in the emirate’s role as a leading hub for advanced technologies.
AI at the Core of Cohort 17
More than 80% of the selected startups are developing AI-powered solutions to address critical challenges in sectors such as HealthTech, FinTech, and ClimateTech, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s commitment to economic diversification through innovation. Their selection reflects the emirate’s rising strategic importance in the global AI landscape, strengthened by the launch of Hub71+ AI — a dedicated specialist ecosystem supported by leading partners including AI71, Core42, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google for Startups, designed to accelerate breakthroughs across industries.
International Ambition and Global Reach
Cohort 17 was chosen from over 2,000 global applications, with startups representing 12 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, France, Canada, Egypt, and India. Notably, 74% of these startups are headquartered outside the UAE, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a destination of choice for globally ambitious founders seeking funding, customers, and growth opportunities. The cohort predominantly comprises seed-stage companies, in line with Hub71’s focus on nurturing early-stage ventures into sustainable, globally competitive businesses.
Leadership Insight
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO 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.”
Notable Startups Driving Innovation
Among the standout companies in Cohort 17 is Harmonic Discovery, a US-based BioTech firm leveraging AI to design precision therapies for complex diseases such as sickle cell disease. The company has secured USD 8.5 million (AED 31.2 million) in funding. Also joining is Planys Technologies from India, specialising in autonomous underwater robots and smart sensors for diver-free inspection, supported by USD 7.2 million (AED 26.4 million) in funding.
Tackling Climate and Emerging Tech Frontiers
Six of the selected startups are focused on addressing environmental challenges, using the Hub71+ ClimateTech ecosystem to fast-track innovation and maximise their global impact. One such company is SunGreenH2, based in Singapore, which is developing high-efficiency electrolysers to produce green hydrogen for industrial, energy, and mobility applications, backed by USD 6.6 million (AED 24.2 million) in funding.
Additionally, eight startups within the cohort are building solutions in blockchain and Web3 technologies. These companies will benefit from Hub71+ Digital Assets, a dedicated ecosystem supporting next-generation financial technologies. Among them is Resolv Labs, a UAE-based crypto investment platform that has raised USD 12.5 million (AED 46 million).
Strategic Support for Scale and Growth
Startups in Cohort 17 will participate in Hub71’s Access Programme, receiving a comprehensive support package worth up to AED 500,000 in a combination of cash and in-kind incentives. In addition, top-performing startups will have the opportunity to secure follow-on support of up to AED 1 million after completing their first year at Hub71.
Beyond financial backing, the programme provides startups with direct access to Abu Dhabi’s growing market ecosystem, talent pool, and global investor network. These advantages position the startups to scale rapidly from the UAE capital and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a global centre for technology and AI-driven innovation.
This latest cohort underscores Hub71’s rising global appeal and reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s influence in shaping the future of AI-powered industries worldwide.
