Abu Dhabi unveils Hub71+ AI to boost AI startups
Core42 and AI71 anchor initiative to advance AI entrepreneurship
#UAE #startups - Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem Hub71 has launched Hub71+ AI, a specialist platform designed to accelerate AI startups. Backed by anchor partners AI71 and Core42, and supported by a network of other partners including like AWS, Google for Startups, Nvidia , Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and 42 Abu Dhabi, the ecosystem aims to fuel innovation and economic growth. With a 67% CAGR in AI companies since 2021, the initiative cements Abu Dhabi’s position as a global AI hub, providing startups with cloud credits, R&D support, and strategic partnerships.
SO WHAT? – Now celebrating five successful years, Hub71 has attracted more than 260 startups spanning 22 sectors that have raised AED 5.4 billion ($1.5 billion) in venture capital over that time. In a similar timeframe, Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in AI research and development, digital transformation, and in industry sectors that rely heavily on AI, such as autonomous vehicles. The capital’s R&D efforts have rapidly developed an AI ecosystem that has both commercialised technologies developed in local labs, and spawned a number of cutting-edge AI companies that develop their own AI technology in Abu Dhabi. However, Hub71 has never had a specialised programme for AI startups: until now.
Here are some key facts about Hub71+ AI:
Hub71 launched Hub71+ AI during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing AI in key sectors. The new programme supports Abu Dhabi's vision of economic diversification, leveraging AI to transform industries and strengthen competitiveness.
Core42, part of the G42 group of companies, joins as an anchor partner, providing sovereign cloud infrastructure, AI training capacity, and regional deployment support.
Technology Innovation Institute spin-off AI71, another anchor partner, offers access to Falcon LLMs and pay-as-you-go API tools, empowering startups with advanced generative AI capabilities.
Other strategic partners include AWS, Google for Startups, Nvidia , Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), and 42 Abu Dhabi, delivering R&D opportunities and access to cutting-edge technology.
Startups will gain access to technical expertise, regulatory guidance, and market entry pathways, helping them scale globally.
Between 2021 and 2023, AI companies in Abu Dhabi grew at a 67% CAGR, with one AI company established every two days in early 2024.
ZOOM OUT – The UAE has established itself as a leader in AI adoption, with Abu Dhabi at the forefront. Initiatives like Hub71+ AI align with the UAE’s broader strategy, including the UAE National AI Programme, to position the nation as a global hub for AI research, innovation, and deployment. Globally, the AI industry is projected to exceed $1.5 trillion by 2030, underlining the importance of ecosystems like Hub71+ AI in shaping this future.