Hub71’s Cohort 17 welcomes 26 AI-driven startups, raising over $223 million in funding

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has onboarded 26 high-growth startups into its 17th Cohort, marking the largest funding total to date. Collectively, these startups have raised over $223 million (AED 818 million), underscoring the growing confidence in Abu Dhabi as a hub for advanced technologies.

With 81% of the selected startups focused on AI-driven solutions, the cohort aims to tackle critical challenges across key sectors such as healthcare, finance, energy, and ClimateTech. This focus reflects the UAE’s strategy to diversify its economy, positioning itself as a leader in the AI landscape.

The launch of Hub71+ AI, a specialist ecosystem supported by AI71, Core42, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google for Startups, further catalyzes cross-sector AI breakthroughs and amplifies the region’s strategic relevance in the global AI space.

Diverse international representation and seed-stage focus

The 17th Cohort was selected from over 2,000 global applications and includes startups from 12 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Singapore, India, Egypt, and more. Notably, 74% of the startups are headquartered outside the UAE, demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a destination for internationally ambitious founders seeking capital and growth.

The cohort is primarily composed of seed-stage startups, aligning with Hub71’s focus on empowering early-stage companies to scale globally.

Key startups and impactful innovations

Among the notable startups joining Hub71 are:

• Harmonic Discovery (U.S.) – A BioTech company applying AI to design precision therapies for hard-to-treat diseases like sickle cell disease, with $8.5 million (AED 31.2 million) in funding.
• Planys Technologies (India) – A company developing autonomous underwater robots and smart sensors for diver-free inspections, with $7.2 million (AED 26.4 million) in funding.
• SunGreenH2 (Singapore) – Building high-efficiency electrolysers to produce green hydrogen for industrial, energy, and mobility use, with $6.6 million (AED 24.2 million) in funding.
• Resolv Labs (UAE) – A crypto investment platform that raised $12.5 million (AED 46 million).

Hub71’s comprehensive support package

The Cohort 17 startups will gain access to Hub71’s Access Programme, which offers a comprehensive support package, including up to AED 500,000 in in-kind and cash incentives. Top-performing startups may receive up to AED 1 million in follow-on support after completing one year at Hub71.

In addition to funding, the startups will tap into Hub71’s extensive network, including access to Abu Dhabi’s market, a talent pool, and investor networks, enabling them to scale quickly in the UAE capital.

This latest cohort highlights Hub71’s increasing global attractiveness and Abu Dhabi’s rising influence in shaping the future of AI-powered industries. With AI and Web3 startups at the forefront, Hub71 continues to position Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for global tech innovation.