Hub71's 17th cohort raises record $223M, cementing Abu Dhabi's AI push
What's the deal? Abu Dhabi tech hub Hub71Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has unveiled its 17th cohort — 26 startups that have collectively raised more than $223 million. It is the highest total for any Hub71 cohort to date.
Who's in it? More than 80% of the companies use artificial intelligence to tackle problems in HealthTech, FinTech, and ClimateTech. The founders span 12 countries, with over 70% based outside the UAE, including the US, the UK, and India.
The specifics: US biotech Harmonic DiscoveryDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, which uses AI for targeted disease treatments, has raised $8.5 million. India's Planys TechnologiesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, maker of autonomous underwater inspection robots, secured $7.2 million. Six climate startups joined the Hub71+ ClimateTech ecosystem, among them Singapore's SunGreenH2Dealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a green hydrogen developer that raised $6.6 million.
Why now? Hub71 pairs a dedicated AI ecosystem, Hub71+ AI, with capital and a location that bridges Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Founders cite modern infrastructure and tax-friendly policies as draws.
What's on offer? Startups in the Access program receive up to $136,000 (AED 500,000) in initial support, plus up to $272,000 (AED 1 million) after their first year. The funding comes with investor networks, mentorship, and business support.
The signal: With most founders coming from abroad, Abu Dhabi is betting capital and infrastructure can lure global AI talent. The bigger test is retention — keeping those founders once the grants run out.
Read more: accent-soc.com
Image credit: WIPO | OMPI
