
Image: Hub71
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, is steering Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem into a mature, scale-up phase.
Under his leadership, Hub71 welcomed its 16th cohort in February, onboarding 27 startups selected from over 1,300 applications across programs including Access, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Digital Assets. These startups had collectively raised over $145m (Dhs532m) prior to joining, adding momentum to an ecosystem now home to 357 startups .
Building on this momentum, Hub71 partnered with Google for Startups in May to launch the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First programme in Abu Dhabi. This accelerator targets AI-focused startups in the Hub71+ AI vertical, offering tailored mentorship, technical support, and access to Google Cloud credits, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a rising global AI hub.
Gulf Business recently spoke to Alwan to find out more about Hub71’s and its journey. The conversation revealed his forward-thinking approach and vision, which is focused on transitioning Hub71 from a launchpad for early-stage companies into a vibrant, globally connected ecosystem that nurtures scaleups and tech innovators targetting the MENA region and beyond.
Here are excerpts from our chat.
To start, could you walk us through some key developments at Hub71 and why 2025 is shaping up to be such a pivotal year for the startup ecosystem?
Absolutely. Hub71 was launched in 2019 with the vision of creating a thriving environment for early-stage tech startups to scale from Abu Dhabi. Since then, we’ve built a community of 357 startups. They’ve collectively raised $2.17 billion in funding, generated $1.2bn in revenue, created more than 1,100 jobs, and represent over 20 different sectors.
What sets us apart is twofold. First, the strength of our partnerships — across government, corporates, and investors — that unlock real commercial and strategic value for startups. Second, and personally my favourite part, is our focus on community. Founders here aren’t just building companies, they’re building together, in a shared space with a shared mission.
You mentioned partnerships — can you highlight some recent ones and how they support Hub71’s mission?
One standout is our partnership with Google. Over a year ago, we entered a strategic agreement to bring the Google for Startups programme to Abu Dhabi. The programme was launched in May at Hub71 and 26 startups participated, gaining access to Google’s infrastructure and mentorship to help them build globally competitive AI-led businesses.
Together with Google, we are empowering founders to develop transformative technologies that address real-world challenges
We also benefit from Abu Dhabi’s broader AI positioning. The city has invested heavily in becoming a global AI hub, supported by entities like the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), TII, HPE, AWS, and more. Hub71 plays the role of channeling all this momentum directly into opportunities for our startups.
Among the startups in your ecosystem, are there any standout performers or promising players you’d like to spotlight?
That’s always a tough one — it’s like picking your favorite child. But yes, a few come to mind.
In AI, Base2 is doing incredibly well. They’ve developed an industrial AI suite that helps large enterprises optimise operations for efficiency.
Another is Cambio, which is building its own large language models (LLMs) to power AI agents — think AI-led customer service or call centres. Cambio is also woman-led. Rachel, its CEO, is doing a phenomenal job alongside her co-founders.
Outside of AI, Archireaf is really unique. They use 3D printing to reconstruct coral reefs, helping with blue carbon capture. They expanded from Hong Kong and now operate out of Kizad, with growing investment interest from the region.
Hub71 has launched specialised ecosystems — or ‘Hub71 +’ verticals — in areas like climate tech, AI, and digital assets. Why are these verticals important?
These verticals were born out of a desire to go beyond the traditional role of a tech hub. We wanted to create deep, focused ecosystems that attract global interest and investment into specific sectors.
For example, Hub71+ Digital Assets was one of our first. It’s anchored by ADGM, which has had progressive crypto regulations since 2016, and FAB, which joined to stay close to digital asset developments. Today, we host about 30 to 40 startups in that vertical, supported by a strong partner network.
We took a similar approach with climate tech, especially around COP28, and now with AI. In each vertical, we’re creating pathways for startups to plug into funding, regulation, and commercial traction.
What role does Hub71 play in helping startups expand globally from Abu Dhabi?
We like to say: you don’t just set up in Abu Dhabi, you work from Abu Dhabi to access the world.
The emirate offers progressive regulations, high security, and global connectivity. We tap into that value proposition and channel it into opportunities for our founders. We’ve built over 10 international partnerships that help our startups scale into Saudi, the US, Hong Kong, Japan, and beyond.
From your experience, what separates startups that succeed from those that struggle or fail?
There are three personal and professional principles I often share with founders:
- Embrace failure. It’s part of the process. Most investors value second-time founders who’ve learned from past experiences.
- Resilience. The startup journey is never linear. You need to weather the ups and downs.
- Be the best version of yourself. Learn from others, yes, but stay grounded in your own strengths.
Operationally, one key factor is corporate governance. Many early founders ignore this, but without proper structures in place, it’s tough to scale. Products get you in the door, but governance is what helps you grow sustainably.
And as a leader yourself, what values have helped you navigate your own path?
Those same three values — embracing failure, resilience, and authenticity — have served me well. But I’d add purpose. I feel incredibly fortunate to work at the intersection of innovation, people, and national economic development. That sense of purpose keeps me going.
You mentioned the importance of community earlier. How do you foster collaboration and buy-in within your team?
Two things: active listening and structure.
I’ve trained myself to really listen — not just to what’s said, but what’s unsaid. That presence builds trust and helps align personal priorities with the broader mission.
And while our environment is dynamic and collaborative, structure is critical. It helps steer culture and allows us to work cohesively — though I always leave 10 to 20 percent room for healthy chaos, to keep things fresh and stretch thinking.
What’s next for Hub71? What can we expect in the coming months?
We’re going to double down on unlocking capital access for our startups. Abu Dhabi has abundant capital, and our job is to help startups tap into it.
We’ll also continue refining the city’s value proposition across verticals — AI, climate tech, digital assets — and there will be more to come. Our job is to make sure every global development in these sectors translates into a tangible opportunity for startups within Hub71.
Read: Hub71 startup, Ovasave, raises $1.2m pre-seed round