Khalifa Fund and HUB71 launch the first batch of… "Muzn Hub71 program"

ABU DHABI, 21st May / WAM / The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), in cooperation with Hub71, the global technology ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, announced the launch of the first batch of the “Muzn Hub71 Programme”, which includes 17 Emirati startup founders who are working to develop projects in their early stages within priority sectors.

This batch was selected, according to a press release issued today, from more than 370 applications for participation, which reflects the growing demand for support programs directed at emerging projects in their early stages in the country.

Led by the Khalifa Fund, the program, which is being implemented through “MuznHub Al Ain,” opens a new gateway to joining the startup ecosystem in the UAE, and provides a platform to enable Emirati founders to transform their ideas into projects that can be expanded and grown, in parallel with promoting the growth of local companies.

This batch represents a new generation of entrepreneurs who are contributing to shaping the future economy in the UAE, as about 90% of them are under 35 years old, while more than 75% of them are launching their projects for the first time, which enhances the program’s role in expanding opportunities for access to entrepreneurship.

Female entrepreneurs also constitute 35% of participants, an indication of continued progress in enhancing diversity within the startup ecosystem.

The program is also distinguished by the fact that 59% of the founders were nominated through partner networks, which reflects the strength of the cooperation system established by the Khalifa Fund and its partners, including Hub71, and embodies the efficiency of this system in discovering and incubating talent during its early stages.

The startups in this batch cover a diverse spectrum of sectors that are in line with Abu Dhabi’s economic priorities, including health, climate, financial and agricultural technology, as well as emerging innovations based on artificial intelligence across various sectors.

His Excellency Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of the Entrepreneurship Sector at the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said that the launch of the first batch of the “Muzn Hub71 Program” in cooperation with Hub71 embodies the Khalifa Fund’s commitment to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and supporting the next generation of national projects, and through “Muzn Hub Al Ain”, we are moving forward in building an integrated and organized path that allows founders to transform their ideas into promising projects, enhances their capabilities, and contributes directly to supporting the goals of… The economic diversification of the UAE.

He added: We continue to support this system by expanding access to supervision, guidance, and cooperation networks, supporting investment readiness, and providing Emirati founders with the tools that enable them to develop their projects and compete globally.

For his part, Ahmed Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said that the “Muzn Hub71” program reflects the increasing trend of Emirati entrepreneurs towards launching their projects from Abu Dhabi, noting that this batch includes founders who develop solutions that keep pace with market needs.

Over the course of the three-month program at Muznhub Al Ain, the founders go through structured stages that start from developing the idea all the way to implementation, including building prototypes, testing ideas in the market, and preparing to launch their projects.

The program concludes with a Demo Day event, where founders present their projects to investors, government agencies, and partners, which opens up direct opportunities for them to obtain financing, build partnerships, and expand their business.

After the program ends, founders are integrated into Abu Dhabi’s broader innovation ecosystem, while continuing to have access to capital, business opportunities, and strategic support throughout the growth phases.

By empowering early-stage founders in Al Ain and connecting them to the global Hub71 network, the “Muzn Hub71 Program” contributes to strengthening the entrepreneur ecosystem in Abu Dhabi in the long term and supporting the development of globally competitive startups from the UAE.

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