محمد يحي
- Khalifa Fund and Hub71 Launch First “Muzn Hub71” Cohort to Support UAE Startups
- The program includes 17 Emirati founders developing startups across strategic sectors, following more than 370 applications, as part of efforts to empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, in partnership with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has announced the launch of the first cohort of the “Muzn Hub71” program, featuring 17 Emirati founders developing early-stage startups across priority sectors.
The cohort was selected from more than 370 applications, highlighting the growing demand for startup support programs tailored to early-stage ventures in the UAE.
Led by Khalifa Fund and operated through “Muzn Hub Al Ain,” the program aims to provide Emirati entrepreneurs with a platform to transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses while strengthening the UAE’s local startup ecosystem.
The inaugural cohort represents a new generation of entrepreneurs shaping the UAE’s future economy, with nearly 90% of participants under the age of 35 and more than 75% launching their first ventures. Female founders account for 35% of participants, reflecting increasing diversity within the startup landscape.
Additionally, 59% of founders were referred through partner networks, underscoring the strength of collaboration between Khalifa Fund, Hub71, and ecosystem partners in identifying and nurturing entrepreneurial talent at an early stage.
The participating startups span several sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities, including healthtech, climate tech, fintech, agritech, and AI-powered innovations across industries.
The three-month program guides founders through structured stages from idea validation to execution, including prototype development, market testing, and launch preparation.
It concludes with a demo day where participants present their startups to investors, government entities, and strategic partners, opening opportunities for funding and business expansion.
Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Chief Entrepreneurship Officer at Khalifa Fund, said the initiative reflects the fund’s commitment to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and supporting the next generation of national ventures.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, noted that the program highlights the increasing trend of Emirati founders building globally scalable businesses from Abu Dhabi.
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