In a landmark move to bolster innovation and economic collaboration, Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s premier global tech ecosystem, has entered into a strategic partnership with the UAE–India Cepa Council. This alliance, forged under the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa), aims to accelerate trade, investment, and innovation between the two nations. The agreement was formalized during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in Mumbai, marking a significant step in operationalizing the innovation agenda of the Cepa.
The partnership will facilitate a seamless pathway for high-potential Indian start-ups to enter, validate, and scale their operations in Abu Dhabi. As part of this initiative, Hub71 will support the UAE–India Cepa Council’s flagship Start-Up Series by offering structured market-entry assistance. Five winning start-ups from the Series, which culminates in New Delhi on November 25, 2025, will join Hub71’s Immersion Programme in 2026. This newly launched programme is designed to expedite market entry through a combination of virtual onboarding and in-person sessions in Abu Dhabi, complemented by curated knowledge sessions, mentorship, and access to Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem.
Among the five start-ups, one will be selected to join Hub71’s Access programme, which provides tailored soft-landing support, enabling founders to explore market opportunities, engage with key stakeholders, and identify sustainable growth pathways across the region. The partnership underscores the shared ambition of the UAE and India to build a dynamic, interconnected start-up corridor that drives investment, technology exchange, and economic growth.
Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAE Ambassador to India, emphasized the transformative potential of the Cepa, stating, ‘Innovation lies at the heart of this partnership, and the Start-Up Series showcases the depth of talent emerging from India. This collaboration with Hub71 strengthens our commitment to providing world-class platforms for founders to scale globally.’
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, highlighted the initiative’s role in bridging innovation hubs and high-growth markets, while Ahmed Aljneibi, Director of the UAE-India Cepa Council, emphasized the tangible benefits for Indian founders and the broader economic impact of this collaboration.
Since its inception in June 2025, the UAE-India Start-Up Series has attracted over 10,000 applications, reflecting strong demand for UAE expansion. The alignment of applicants with Hub71’s priority sectors—FinTech, HealthTech, AgriTech, mobility, and advanced technologies—demonstrates the strategic synergy between India’s innovation strengths and Abu Dhabi’s sector-focused agenda. This partnership not only streamlines market entry but also unlocks new investment flows, fostering a robust innovation corridor between the two economies.
The agreement also establishes a framework for cross-referring high-impact start-ups, enabling soft landings in both Abu Dhabi and India. Referred founders will receive comprehensive support, including company setup, regulatory facilitation, mentorship, and access to investors and partners. Eligible start-ups may also benefit from grants, incentive programmes, and scaling opportunities, further enhancing the UAE-India innovation ecosystem.
This collaboration is part of Hub71’s broader mission to position Abu Dhabi as a global launchpad for start-ups, fostering cross-border initiatives that translate bilateral cooperation into measurable technological and economic outcomes.