Hub71 selects a record 40-startup cohort from 2,502 applications across 117 countries

Hub71 selected 40 startups for Cohort 19 from 2,502 applications across 117 countries, an approximate 1.6 percent selection rate. The chosen companies represent 14 countries and 88 percent are international. Hub71 reports that 90 percent are AI-core and more than two thirds operate in priority sectors. The cohort includes 12 companies in the general programme, 19 in specialist ecosystems, six in Anjal Z and three in SAVI.

The selected startups had collectively raised US$296 million, equivalent to approximately AED1.09 billion, before joining. That is historic company funding rather than a new Hub71 commitment. The 12-month programme offers incentives of up to AED500,000 per startup, but “up to” does not mean every participant receives the maximum or that support is automatic, unrestricted cash. Individual terms, milestones and conditions require programme or company-level evidence.

For founders, the cohort confirms a highly selective route into Abu Dhabi’s startup ecosystem. For investors and corporate partners, it creates a concentrated discovery pool across AI, mobility, digital assets and climate technology. A decision should still rest on the named startup, product, ownership, funding history, regulatory perimeter, customer evidence and desired pilot or investment terms rather than the Hub71 label alone.