UAE launches innovative climate tech and AI startup programme in Al Ain to foster emerging entrepreneurs

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, together with Hub71, has just kicked off the very first group in the MZN Hub71 Programme. This initial cohort consists of 17 Emirati startup founders based in Al Ain, all part of an initiative designed to help early-stage companies go from just an idea to actually hitting the market. Basically, the programme, which is run through the MZN Hub, was created specifically to give first-time entrepreneurs a clear, structured path into Abu Dhabi’s bigger innovation ecosystem.

According to both Khalifa Fund and Hub71, they picked this first batch from over 370 applications, a clear sign that there’s quite a bit of demand for direct, practical support when a startup is just getting off the ground. Interestingly enough, most of the participants are quite young, about 90% are under 35, and over 75% are launching their very first business. Women make up around 35% of the group, which reflects an encouraging push for diverse representation.

The selection process also highlights a strategic effort to broaden entrepreneurship access beyond Abu Dhabi city itself. Placing the programme in Al Ain is part of a push to decentralize startup support, making it easier for founders in the eastern emirate to access resources and grow. Hub71 has mentioned that this move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy vision, which is all about diversification, sustainability, and innovation.

The focus of the programme is on sectors that are vital for the UAE’s future growth. The current cohort features startups working in areas like HealthTech, ClimateTech, FinTech, and AgriTech, along with some ventures using artificial intelligence across various industries. This blend is particularly notable for those observing climate technology trends in the UAE; founders here are increasingly working on solutions related to cleaner energy, water resilience, emissions tracking, and precision agriculture.

One of the ClimateTech startups, RECtify, is developing a platform to help SMEs track their emissions and access markets for carbon and renewable energy credits. Then there’s StarVolta, which is working on a technology that converts methane into hydrogen and nanocarbon, without emitting direct carbon dioxide. HAAY focuses on atmospheric water generation, using AI-enabled systems to produce drinking water from the air we breathe. And AIN is creating an AI-powered IoT platform to support precision irrigation and farm management in dry regions.

What’s also interesting is how climate-related innovation is blending into other areas of the economy. InfraPower, for example, is building an AI and GIS-based platform to identify faults in utility infrastructure and prioritize repairs. This kind of infrastructure intelligence is becoming more crucial as utilities deal with increasingly complex and distributed networks. On the manufacturing side, the AM Lab is automating workflows across the Middle East and North Africa, from CAD uploads to order delivery, streamlining the process throughout.

The cohort also reflects how AI is now shaping consumer and service sectors. For instance, ReachLLM is developing AI tools to boost brands’ visibility in large language models, while NAMDH is working on a clinical assistant that offers real-time transcription, translation, and patient insights. Limb is focusing on remote physiotherapy and personalized rehab plans, whereas TAIA is building AI solutions for grading, lesson planning, and student tracking. Meanwhile, Shams is creating an adaptive Arabic learning platform geared towards children.

There’s quite a broad spectrum of opportunities here. BOUKI is working on an AI-powered digital wallet to optimize card rewards and usage at points of sale. Arady is aiming to make real estate transactions smoother between buyers, sellers, and financial institutions. Mershid, on the other hand, is developing a travel companion app that offers personalized recommendations along with live assistance. SouqView targets retail investors with AI-driven stock analysis and prediction tools. Odysseon combines crypto education with trading tools and capital management within a single platform. And Hign Al Khaleej is working on a marketplace for buying, selling, and auctioning camels across the Gulf region.

Now, the programme itself is set up to take founders through a clear, three-month journey at the MZN Hub. They’re supported in building minimum viable products, testing their ideas in the real world, and prepping for the big launch. Hub71 emphasizes that the purpose isn’t just about product refinement; it’s also about laying down the groundwork to enable startups to scale effectively.

At the end of this process, the participants will showcase their ventures during a Demo Day attended by investors, government officials, and other partners, basically, a chance to connect with potential funding, collaborations, and strategic alliances. Importantly, even after the programme ends, these founders are expected to stay linked to Abu Dhabi’s innovation community, with ongoing access to capital, business opportunities, and support networks.

H.E. Khalifa Al Kuwaiti, the executive director of the entrepreneurship sector at Khalifa Fund, mentioned that this initiative underscores the organisation’s dedication to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and nurturing the next wave of national businesses. He noted that the Al Ain-based platform aims to help founders transform ideas into viable companies while also enhancing their skills, networks, and readiness to attract investment.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, highlighted that this first cohort reflects a strong momentum among Emirati founders rooted in Abu Dhabi. He explained that Hub71’s goal is to support entrepreneurs early on, helping them validate their ideas and build solid commercial foundations before aiming for scale.

This initial group is also a kind of pilot for a broader model. By combining Khalifa Fund’s national entrepreneurship platform with Hub71’s global network, the partners are working toward creating a more interconnected pipeline for homegrown startups. For the UAE, this isn’t just about advancing technology; it’s about developing competitive companies across key sectors like sustainability, food security, healthcare, and digital infrastructure.

Specifically for climate tech, the cohort indicates that the UAE’s startup scene is moving beyond isolated projects and jumping into a more integrated ecosystem. We’re seeing founders tackling emissions data, water generation, methane conversion, and intelligent agriculture all within a structured support framework. If this programme goes well, Al Ain might become a significant launchpad for future climate and tech ventures in the region. It’s pretty exciting to think about the potential.