Hub71 Access Programme 2027: Deadline, Funding and How to Apply
Abu Dhabi's tech ecosystem program for startups relocating to the UAE. AED 250K in cash plus AED 250K in incentives for housing, office space and services.
Hub71 Access Programme at a glance
- Next deadline
- Next deadline not announced yet
- Next batch
- Cohort 21: applications close February 2027, program starts September 2027.
- Funding
- AED 250K cash + AED 250K flexible incentives
- Equity
- Equity via SAFE note for the AED 250K cash (percentage not published)
- Program length
- 12 months
- Location
- Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Stage
- Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
- Industries
- Industry agnostic, AI, Fintech, Health, Climate
- Founded
- 2019
What is Hub71 Access Programme?
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, backed by Mubadala Investment Company. Its main program for startups is the Access Programme, a 12 month program for companies willing to build their team in Abu Dhabi. Hub71 takes cohorts twice a year. Cohort 18, announced in 2026, picked 27 startups from a record 2,453 applications from 112 countries, and it was Hub71's first all international intake. The package has two parts. Startups get AED 250,000 in flexible incentives they can spend with a range of service providers, which have covered items like office space, housing and health insurance. They also get AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note. High performing startups that commit to Abu Dhabi can receive another AED 250,000 top up for more equity by the end of the year. The AED is pegged to the US dollar, so AED 250,000 is about $68,000. The main condition is relocation. At least one founder must move to Abu Dhabi long term and build a team there. In return, startups get access to Hub71's partners, which include government bodies, corporates and investors in the UAE. The ecosystem now counts more than 500 companies across its cohorts.
How the Hub71 Access Programme program works
The Access Programme runs for 12 months from Hub71's campus in Abu Dhabi. Cohort 21 starts in September 2027. Startups set up in Abu Dhabi, with at least one founder relocating long term. The flexible incentives package of AED 250,000 covers costs such as office space, housing, health insurance and other services through approved providers. The AED 250,000 cash investment is made on a SAFE note. During the year, Hub71 connects startups with investors, corporate partners and government entities for pilots and customers. Startups that perform well and commit to staying in Abu Dhabi can receive an extra AED 250,000 for more equity before the year ends.
What Hub71 Access Programme looks for
Hub71 evaluates the team, the market opportunity and the startup's growth plans, with a strong focus on commitment to Abu Dhabi. At least one founder must relocate long term and build a team there. Recent cohorts have ranged from pre-seed to Series A. The pitch deck should explain why Abu Dhabi and the Hub71 network will help the company grow.
How to apply to Hub71 Access Programme
- 1Submit the online application on hub71.com before the Cohort 21 deadline in February 2027. Later applications roll to the next cohort.
- 2Attach a PDF pitch deck covering the problem, solution, business model, market, competition, traction, funds raised, team and your plans for Abu Dhabi.
- 3If shortlisted, pitch to the Hub71 team and to investment, corporate and government partners. Round 3 includes partners from the community.
- 4Go through the final selection committee, the last of four rounds. Hub71 says applicants should hear back within three months, and pre-deadline applications are reviewed by April 2027.
- 5If selected, plan for at least one founder to relocate to Abu Dhabi before the September 2027 start.
Applying with a pitch deck?
Get a free score and slide-by-slide feedback before you submit, with our AI Pitch Review.
Startup perks to claim once you are accepted
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Hub71 Access Programme vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hub71 Access Programme | AED 250K cash + AED 250K flexible incentives | Equity via SAFE note for the AED 250K cash (percentage not published) | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | €150K to €5M (reported range) | Minority stake, no standard percentage published | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
| EIC Accelerator | Grant below €2.5M + €1M to €10M equity | None on grant; equity or quasi-equity via EIC Fund if blended finance | EU and Horizon Europe associated countries | November 4, 2026 (8 days left) |
| PearX | $500K to $2M | Pear targets about 7% ownership | San Francisco Bay Area (San Francisco and Menlo Park) | Rolling admissions |
| Dreamit Ventures | $500K to $1.5M initial investment | Not published (venture investment) | New York | Rolling admissions |
| Seedcamp | $350K to $1.25M first cheque | Varies; standard pre-seed ASA (historically about 6.5% to 7.5% for a lead pre-seed cheque) | London, UK (invests across Europe and Israel) | Rolling admissions |
Hub71 Access Programme FAQ
When is the Hub71 Access Programme application deadline?+
Hub71 Access Programme has not announced its next deadline yet (Cohort 21: applications close February 2027, program starts September 2027.). We check the official site every month and update this page when dates are published.
What does the Hub71 Access Programme offer?+
Startups get AED 250,000 in flexible incentives to spend with approved service providers, plus AED 250,000 in cash for equity on a SAFE note. High performing startups committed to Abu Dhabi can receive another AED 250,000 for more equity. AED 250,000 is about $68,000 at the fixed exchange rate.
Does Hub71 take equity?+
Yes, for the cash part. The AED 250,000 cash investment is made in exchange for equity through a SAFE note, and the optional AED 250,000 top up also takes additional equity. The AED 250,000 flexible incentives package does not require equity. Hub71 does not publish the equity percentage.
Do I have to move to Abu Dhabi to join Hub71?+
Yes. Hub71 requires at least one founder to commit to relocating to Abu Dhabi long term and to build a team there. Commitment to Abu Dhabi is one of the main things the selection committee looks at, along with the team, market opportunity and growth plans.