Hub71+ Life Sciences Programme

Hub71+ Life Sciences Programme — Cohort 20

Supports biotech, medtech, and life sciences startups in Abu Dhabi through twelve-month acceleration.

Hub71+ Life Sciences is a 12-month accelerator programme for biotech, medtech, and life sciences startups, operated by Hub71, a global technology ecosystem anchored by Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Microsoft, and SoftBank Vision Fund. The programme is designed to position Abu Dhabi as a regional hub for life sciences innovation, connecting portfolio companies to over 150 corporate, government, and investment partners across the UAE. Cohort 20 applications are open through 2 August 2026, with the programme commencing February 2027. Applications submitted after the deadline are considered for the following cohort; the application review period runs from June through November 2026. Selected startups receive AED 250,000 in flexible in-kind incentives usable with a range of service providers, AED 250,000 in cash delivered as a SAFE note in exchange for equity, and a conditional top-up of up to AED 250,000 for high-performing companies committed to Abu Dhabi in exchange for additional equity at programme end. The total package reaches up to AED 750,000. Only for-profit startups are eligible; nonprofits, universities, and individuals are excluded. At least one founder must commit to relocating long-term to Abu Dhabi and building a local team, which is assessed as a hard requirement by the selection committee. Applicants must submit a PDF pitch deck addressing the problem, solution, market opportunity, team, and Abu Dhabi plans. A four-stage selection process culminates in a final committee decision. Teams with demonstrated clinical or commercial traction and a credible strategy for entering the UAE healthcare market are best positioned to succeed.