The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, in collaboration with Hub71, has kicked off the inaugural MZN Hub71 Programme, embracing 17 Emirati entrepreneurs who are shaping startups in various emerging sectors.
Selected from over 370 applications, these startups reflect a vibrant wave of entrepreneurial spirit in the UAE. Spearheaded by the Khalifa Fund and executed through MZN Hub Al Ain, this initiative is designed to assist Emirati innovators in transforming creative ideas into successful businesses.
The initial cohort is notable for its youthful dynamism, with nearly 90% of the participants under 35 and over 75% launching their first ventures. Additionally, women entrepreneurs constitute 35% of this group, marking significant progress in enhancing gender diversity within the startup landscape.
This programme illustrates the robust collaboration between Khalifa Fund and Hub71, supported by their extensive partner networks. Approximately 59% of the chosen founders were referred through partner organizations, underscoring the strength of the UAE's innovation ecosystem.
The startups are aligned with Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities, focusing on sectors such as HealthTech, ClimateTech, FinTech, and AgriTech, alongside innovative solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
His Excellency Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at Khalifa Fund, emphasized the programme's aim to nurture Emirati entrepreneurial talent and fortify the foundation for future national businesses.
He added that MZN Hub Al Ain provides a systematic pathway for founders to turn concepts into thriving enterprises by offering mentorship, networking prospects, and investment readiness support to enhance their global competitiveness.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, remarked that this initiative underscores the rising momentum of Emirati startups in Abu Dhabi. He noted that Hub71 is dedicated to assisting founders in validating and establishing solid business foundations along with strategies for growth.
Over the next three months, the MZN Hub Al Ain will take founders through crucial phases of startup development, from creating minimum viable products to market testing and launch preparations.
The programme will culminate in a Demo Day, where participants will showcase their startups to potential investors, government representatives, and strategic partners, paving the way for funding and growth opportunities.
After the programme's completion, participants will retain access to Abu Dhabi's broader innovation ecosystem, benefiting from ongoing capital support, commercial opportunities, and strategic insights for global scaling.
Through the collaboration of Khalifa Fund and Hub71, the MZN Hub71 Programme aspires to enhance the long-term startup ecosystem in Abu Dhabi and promote the growth of globally competitive Emirati enterprises.
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