Mubadala Investment Company, the Abu Dhabi sovereign investor, has partnered with early-stage investor Antler and Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem Hub71 to launch the National Founders Program. The six-week venture-building initiative is designed to help turn university research into commercially viable startups.
The programme aims to create a national innovation platform that aligns academic research with industry needs. The initiative follows Mubadala’s investment in Antler and is part of its commitment to advancing the UAE’s innovation ecosystem.
Partner roles and program structure
Under the partnership, each organisation will play a distinct role. Antler will lead the early phases of the programme, focusing on ideation, venture validation, and founder development. Hub71 will host the programme and serve as the scale-up platform, connecting participants with Abu Dhabi’s broader technology and investment ecosystem.
Participants in the programme will gain access to Hub71’s network of mentors and partners, as well as founder-focused services including regulatory support and go-to-market pathways. The programme will also feature workshops, soft-landing support for those relocating, and investor connectivity. A key focus of the initiative is corporate collaboration, creating pathways for startups to partner with established companies for piloting and strategic support.
The programme
Ali AlMheiri, executive director of diversified assets at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, commented: “We are not waiting for innovation to happen; we are driving it. Through this programme, we are transforming high-potential research into scalable ventures with clear commercial applications. It reflects our broader mandate at Mubadala UAE Investments – to incubate new and innovative high-growth sectors that strengthen Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and create a positive impact on our communities.”
Meanwhile, Romain Assuncao, managing partner for Antler in MENAP, said: “Abu Dhabi is positioned to become a regional hub for research-led innovation. This programme reflects a shared commitment to connect early-stage talent with the companies and infrastructure that can help them thrive.”
Ahmad Ali Alwan, chief executive officer of Hub71, also added: “Empowering local talent to transform ideas into scalable tech ventures is essential to growing homegrown startups from Abu Dhabi. Through our partnership, Hub71 will provide participants with direct access to the tools, expertise, and networks needed to build and scale their ventures. This program reflects our commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for entrepreneurship and innovation.”
The programme will target high-potential research talent from leading universities in Abu Dhabi. Selected participants will gain access to a curated curriculum and connections to the global networks of both Antler and Mubadala.
