Application timeline and requirements

Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort 20. The current deadline is 2 August 2026, and the programme starts in February 2027.

• Timelines for Cohort20
  • Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between June and November 2026. You should be receiving feedback about the status of your application within 3 months of applying.
  • Selection rounds:
    • Round 1: Application review
    • Round 2: Hub71 team meets shortlisted founders
    • Round 3: Hub71 partners meet shortlisted founders
    • Round 4: Final selection committee
  • Programme: Hub71’s 12-month programme starts in February 2027.
• Applications
  • Applications do not close after the deadline: if you apply after the mentioned deadline related to a cohort, you will be considered for the next cohort.
  • If you apply before the mentioned cohort deadline, you will be hearing back from the Hub71 team before the application review deadline mentioned in section 1 ends.
  • During round 3, we invite relevant partners from our community to attend the sessions and be part of the evaluation process.
• Selected startups
  • Startups onboarded to the program will receive: AED 250,000 worth of flexible incentives that can be utilized with a range of service providers, and AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note.
  • High-performing startups committed to Abu Dhabi are eligible to receive a top-up of AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity by the end of the one year program.
• Requirements
  • Startups should fill all required fields in the application form
  • Pitch deck in PDF format highlighting the following main sections:
    • Problem, solution, value proposition, and business model
    • Competition, market, traction, and funds raised
    • Founders / Founding team
    • Plans for Hub71 and Abu Dhabi
  • At least one founder is expected to commit to relocating long-term and building a team out of Abu Dhabi
• Steps
  • 1

    Application submission

    Complete an application form with an overview of your startup, the problem you are addressing, the solution, your product, and business model.
  • 2

    Pitch presentations

    If your application is successful, you will be invited to the next stage, where you will be asked to deliver a series of pitch presentations to the Hub71 team and some of the tech ecosystem’s investment, corporate and government partners. Startups will be evaluated on their team, the market opportunity, and their growth plans.
  • 3

    Final selection

    After a rigorous four-stages selection process, Hub71 will select a cohort of startups to join its vibrant ecosystem.