The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) and Hub71 have signed a strategic agreement to launch the MZN Hub71 Programme, a new initiative designed to accelerate Emirati entrepreneurship in Al Ain.
Signed during Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2025, the partnership aims to decentralise the emirate’s tech ecosystem, bringing Hub71’s global expertise to the eastern region of Abu Dhabi. The initiative aligns with the emirate’s ‘Falcon Economy’ vision, which prioritises economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation.
A launchpad for Al Ain’s entrepreneurs
The programme will be hosted at the newly established MZN Hub in Al Ain, a facility created by Khalifa Fund as part of its AI-driven ecosystem strategy. Each cohort will support 10 to 15 Emirati startups, guiding founders through an intensive three-month journey to transform early-stage ideas into minimum viable products (MVPs).
By combining Khalifa Fund’s long-standing experience in national enterprise development with Hub71’s proven track record in scaling tech startups, the collaboration creates a comprehensive support system for founders.
Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund, commented: “At Khalifa Fund, we are committed to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs, fostering innovation and providing programmes and initiatives that serve as genuine incubators for entrepreneurs. In line with this commitment, we are pleased to collaborate with Hub71 through this agreement to enhance the capabilities of 15 Emirati startups in Al Ain through an intensive three-month training track.”
Structured for growth
The three-month programme is structured into three distinct stages designed to de-risk the startup journey:
- Academy Stage: Focuses on building essential business skills through workshops and mentorship in financial modelling, pricing, and go-to-market planning.
- Validation Stage: Helps founders develop a deeper understanding of their customers and markets while engaging with corporate partners to explore real business opportunities.
- Prototyping Stage: Strengthens products through tailored mentorship, supports UAE legal incorporation, and refines growth strategies for market entry.
The programme concludes with a Demo Day, where startups will present their solutions to government leaders, investors, and private-sector stakeholders.
Expanding the ecosystem
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, highlighted the importance of creating new pathways for local talent: “Our partnership with Khalifa Fund through the MZN Hub71 Programme reflects this commitment by creating new pathways for Emiratis to transform their ideas into pioneering companies. By equipping them with mentorship, resources, and access to markets, we are enabling the next generation of Emirati entrepreneurs to build ventures that create economic value and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading center for entrepreneurship.”
Applications for the first cohort are currently open to Emirati startup founders with innovative ideas, with the programme scheduled to commence in early 2026.
The post Khalifa Fund and Hub71 Launch Programme to Boost Emirati Startups in Al Ain appeared first on The Fintech Times.
