Hub71 Expands to the US, Strengthening UAE’s Global Startup Leadership

Strategic partnership with New Jersey Economic Development Authority opens transatlantic pathways for high-growth startups, fostering innovation, investment, and international scale.

Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning startup ecosystem has taken a historic step onto the global stage as Hub71 announces its first-ever partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). The move underscores the UAE’s ambition to cement its position as a world-class hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, connecting high-growth startups across continents.

Sealed during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in New York, the strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a transatlantic bridge between Abu Dhabi and New Jersey, enabling startups from both markets to scale internationally. This partnership will provide access to emerging technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, fintech, and health tech, while facilitating funding opportunities, mentorship, corporate collaborations, and regulatory support.

Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, emphasised the significance of the collaboration: “Technology continues to transcend borders, and innovation ecosystems must strengthen their ties to support the global ambitions of founders. Our collaboration with New Jersey focuses on unlocking expansion opportunities for startups while deepening the exchange of knowledge, talent, and innovation.”

The initiative also builds on New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy’s economic mission to the UAE earlier this year, highlighting the emirate’s appeal as a gateway for US startups expanding into the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia — regions representing some of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies. Tim Sullivan, CEO of NJEDA, welcomed the partnership, noting that it reflects New Jersey’s growing international outlook and shared innovation priorities with the UAE.

Hub71’s expansion into the US is part of a broader global strategy. The ecosystem has already established international alliances, including a recent collaboration with Japan’s External Trade Organisation (JETRO), enabling UAE-Japan partnerships in deeptech, mobility, and renewable energy. Since its launch in 2019, Hub71 has supported over 300 startups, which have collectively raised more than Dh5 billion in venture funding, making it a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy.

Backed by the Abu Dhabi government and Mubadala Investment Company, Hub71 has nurtured a thriving ecosystem across fintech, climate tech, health tech, and AI. These sectors align closely with the UAE’s broader economic agenda and Net Zero 2050 commitment. Experts note that the Hub71–NJEDA collaboration not only strengthens transatlantic innovation ties but also positions Abu Dhabi as a pivotal player in the global technology landscape.

“The UAE’s startup revolution is not confined to the region — it is rapidly expanding its influence across continents, positioning Abu Dhabi as one of the leading capitals of the world’s new innovation economy,” industry insiders observed. The partnership is expected to unlock new pathways for bilateral investment, co-creation, and international growth for high-potential startups.

With this strategic expansion, Hub71 reinforces Abu Dhabi’s commitment to becoming a global innovation hub, offering founders a pro-innovation environment, streamlined business processes, and access to one of the world’s most liquid investment ecosystems. The UAE continues to redefine how emerging economies integrate into the global technology landscape, ensuring that startups from its ecosystem can scale seamlessly across continents.