Mubadala Investment Company, in collaboration with Antler, a leading global investor in startups, and Hub 71, a global tech ecosystem based in Abu Dhabi, has announced the launch of the National Founders Program. This strategic initiative, lasting six weeks, aims to transform pioneering university research into startup ventures and commercial projects aligned with the needs of various business sectors.
This initiative expands Mubadala’s investment in Antler and demonstrates its commitment to fostering the innovation ecosystem in the UAE. Under this partnership, Antler will oversee the initial stages of the program, focusing on idea generation, project viability assessment, and founder development. Meanwhile, Hub 71 will host the program and serve as the platform dedicated to broadening its reach and connecting academic research with the wider tech and investment network in Abu Dhabi.
Organizational Support
Participants in the program will benefit from the extensive network of mentors, experts, and strategic partners provided by Hub 71. They will receive tailored services for founders, including various benefits, organizational support, and market access opportunities designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage startups. With its extensive experience in running founder-focused programs across 24 sectors, Hub 71 will provide specially designed workshops aimed at supporting the foundational phase while enhancing relationships with investors to foster engagement within Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem.
Knowledge Economy
Ali Al Mehri, Executive Director of Diverse Investments at Mubadala, stated, “We are committed to leading innovation efforts, and through this program, we aim to convert outstanding academic research with high potential into scalable business projects. This reflects our broader commitment at Mubadala to enhance investment opportunities in the UAE by embracing new, high-growth, innovative sectors that benefit Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-based economy and create a positive impact on our communities. By bringing together academia, entrepreneurs, and industry players within a unified national framework, we aspire to create a robust ecosystem that drives economic growth, develops skills, and generates long-term value.”
Romain Assous, Managing Partner at Antler for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, commented, “Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to become a regional hub for research-driven innovation. This program reflects a joint commitment to connect emerging talent with the companies and infrastructure that enable their success.”
Empowering Talent
Ahmed Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub 71, added, “Empowering national talent to transform ideas into scalable tech businesses is crucial for the growth of local startups in Abu Dhabi. Through our partnership, Hub 71 will provide participants with direct access to resources, tools, expertise, and networks essential for building and scaling their ventures. This program highlights our commitment to positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and innovation.”
The program targets promising researchers from top universities in Abu Dhabi. Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage in a carefully designed curriculum that includes workshops, training, and domain-specific expertise, along with access to the extensive global networks of Mubadala, Antler, and Hub 71. A notable feature of this program is its strong emphasis on corporate collaboration, paving the way for startups to partner with established companies in early trials, co-development, and leveraging infrastructure and strategic support.