Mubadala, Antler and Hub71 Launch National Founders Programme to Commercialize University Research
Mubadala Investment Company (Mubadala), in partnership with Antler, the global early-stage investor, and Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has announced the launch of the National Founders Programme. This six-week venture-building initiative is designed to transform breakthrough university research into scalable, commercially viable startups aligned with industry needs.
The programme builds on Mubadala’s investment in Antler and reflects its commitment to strengthening the UAE’s innovation ecosystem. Antler will lead the early stages of the initiative, focusing on ideation, venture validation, and founder development. Hub71 will host the programme, providing participants with access to a scale-up platform that bridges academic research with Abu Dhabi’s broader technology and investment landscape.
Through Hub71’s extensive network of mentors, domain experts, and strategic partners, participants will benefit from a wide range of founder-focused services including regulatory support, go-to-market pathways, tailored workshops, and investor connectivity. The programme also offers structured support such as soft-landing services and access to Hub71’s global innovation ecosystem.
Ali AlMheiri, Executive Director of Diversified Assets at Mubadala UAE Investments, said:
“We are not waiting for innovation to happen; we are driving it. Through this program, we are transforming high-potential research into scalable ventures with clear commercial applications. It reflects our broader mandate at Mubadala UAE Investments—to incubate innovative, high-growth sectors that strengthen Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and create positive impact on our communities.”
Romain Assuncao, Managing Partner at Antler MENAP, added:
“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, CEO of Hub71, stated:
“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.”
Targeting high-potential research talent from Abu Dhabi’s leading universities, the programme offers a curated curriculum of workshops, coaching, and domain expertise. Unique to the initiative is its strong emphasis on corporate collaboration, creating pathways for startups to partner with established companies for piloting, co-development, infrastructure access, and strategic support.
The National Founders Programme is set to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy by converting academic research into real-world impact, driving talent development, economic diversification, and long-term growth.
