Hub71 Welcomes 26 High-Growth Startups Raising AED 818 Million In Funding

Hub71 in Abu Dhabi has welcomed its most AI-focused group yet, with 26 high-growth startups joining its 17th Cohort. These companies have collectively secured over USD 223 million (AED 818 million) in funding, marking the highest total for any Hub71 cohort so far. This achievement highlights the quality of startups emerging from Abu Dhabi and increasing investor confidence in the emirate as a global hub for advanced technologies.

Among the new entrants is Harmonic Discovery, a US-based BioTech firm using AI to create precision therapies for challenging diseases like sickle cell disease. The company has raised USD 8.5 million (AED 31.2 million). Another notable addition is Planys Technologies from India, which develops autonomous underwater robots and smart sensors for diver-free inspections, having secured USD 7.2 million (AED 26.4 million) in funding.

More than 80% of the selected startups are working on AI-driven solutions aimed at addressing significant challenges in key sectors such as HealthTech, FinTech, and ClimateTech. This focus contributes to diversifying Abu Dhabi's economy. Their presence in Abu Dhabi underscores the emirate's growing strategic importance in the global AI arena, further supported by Hub71+ AI, a specialised ecosystem backed by partners like AI71, Core42, AWS, and Google for Startups.

Cohort 17 was chosen from over 2,000 applications worldwide, featuring startups from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, France, Canada, Egypt, and India. Notably, 74% of these startups are headquartered outside the UAE. This reflects Abu Dhabi's emergence as a preferred destination for globally ambitious founders seeking capital and growth opportunities.

Six startups within this cohort are focusing on environmental challenges by leveraging the Hub71+ ClimateTech ecosystem to enhance their growth and impact. Among them is SunGreenH2 from Singapore, which is developing high-efficiency electrolysers to produce green hydrogen for industrial use. The company has secured USD 6.6 million (AED 24.2 million) in funding.

Additionally, eight startups will work on blockchain and Web3 technologies within the Hub71+ Digital Assets ecosystem. This includes Resolv Labs from the UAE, a crypto investment platform that has raised USD 12.5 million (AED 46 million). These initiatives highlight Abu Dhabi's commitment to fostering innovation across diverse technological fields.

Support and Opportunities at Hub71

The startups joining Cohort 17 will participate in Hub71’s Access programme. They will benefit from a comprehensive support package offering up to AED 500,000 in cash and in-kind incentives. Top-performing startups may receive up to AED 1 million in additional support after their first year at Hub71.

Apart from financial backing, these startups gain access to Hub71’s extensive network within Abu Dhabi’s market and talent pool. This positions them well for commercial success and rapid scaling from the UAE capital.

This latest cohort underscores Hub71’s increasing global appeal and Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in shaping future industries powered by AI.

With inputs from WAM