National Founders Program Launched By Mubadala, Antler, And Hub71 To Transform University Research Into Startups

In an ambitious move to bolster Abu Dhabi's status as a hub for technological innovation and startup growth, Mubadala Investment Company, in collaboration with Antler and Hub71, has unveiled the National Founders Program.

The initiative is designed to transform promising research from universities into thriving startups that meet specific industry demands. This programme stands out for its emphasis on fostering partnerships between nascent ventures and established corporations, offering a robust platform for piloting and co-development efforts.

The National Founders Program is set to significantly enrich Abu Dhabi's innovation ecosystem by providing select research talents from top local universities with an intensive six-week course. This course will encompass a diverse array of workshops, one-on-one coaching, and expertise in various domains. Furthermore, participants will be integrated into the global networks of both Antler and Mubadala, amplifying their reach and potential for success.

Ali AlMheiri, Executive Director at Mubadala's UAE Investments Platform, expressed a proactive stance towards innovation by stating, "We are not waiting for innovation to happen; we are driving it."

He highlighted the program's goal of converting high-potential research into scalable businesses with tangible commercial applications. AlMheiri also touched on the broader objective of incubating new, high-growth sectors to enhance Abu Dhabi's knowledge economy and foster community well-being, emphasising the collaborative framework uniting academia, venture builders, and the industry.

This collaborative venture follows Mubadala's investment in Antler, underlining its dedication to nurturing the UAE's innovation landscape. Antler will spearhead the initial stages of the program, focusing on idea generation, venture confirmation, and the development of founders.

Conversely, Hub71 will leverage its vast experience in supporting startups across diverse sectors to offer workshops, support for establishing a presence, and connections with investors, thereby integrating participants into Abu Dhabi's innovative milieu.

Hub71, acclaimed for its role in cultivating a global tech ecosystem, will provide program participants with unparalleled access to its network of mentors, experts, and strategic partners.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, emphasised the importance of empowering local talent to transform innovative ideas into scalable tech enterprises, underscoring the initiative's alignment with Abu Dhabi’s vision for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Participants will also enjoy numerous benefits tailored to foster early-stage venture growth. These include exclusive services aimed at speeding up venture development, such as regulatory support and pathways to market, thus ensuring a smooth transition from concept to commercial viability.

Romain Assuncao, managing partner at Antler in MENAP, pointed out Abu Dhabi's potential as a regional beacon for research-led innovation, lauding the program's capacity to bridge early-stage talent with vital corporate and infrastructural support.

The National Founders Program represents a strategic effort to translate academic research into market-ready solutions, driving forward Abu Dhabi's ambition as a leader in the global innovation and technology arena.

Through this initiative, Abu Dhabi is set to empower its homegrown talent and foster a thriving ecosystem of innovative startups, aligned with the broader vision of economic growth, talent development, and enduring value creation.