ADIO Innovation Programme

The ADIO Innovation Programme is Abu Dhabi Investment Office's non-dilutive funding pool for technology companies building meaningful operations in Abu Dhabi. Launched in 2020 under the Ghadan 21 stimulus plan, it was built to help attract, anchor, and scale high-value activity in the emirate. The pool totals AED 2B, with about AED 1B already disbursed across 37 companies. The program combines cash rebates on highly skilled payroll, allowances, and high-tech CAPEX with project-cost grants that can cover 50% to 75% of eligible R&D, talent recruitment, infrastructure, IP development, and commercialization work. Awards typically sit in the AED 2M to AED 10M range, require operations in Abu Dhabi, and accept documentation in English and Arabic. It is a rolling route rather than a fixed annual competition, and the most relevant fit is a company that can commit operations, hiring, and technical build-out locally. The AI sub-track points to sustainability AI, healthcare innovation, Arabic-language AI, and smart cities, so applicants with those themes have a clearer strategic lane.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.