Mubadala, Antler, And Hub71 Roll Out National Founders Program
The six-week venture-building initiative helps transform university research into commercially viable startups through mentorship, validation, and industry collaboration.
Abu Dhabi-based Mubadala Investment Company, in partnership with Singapore-headquartered venture capital firm Antler and Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem Hub71, has introduced the National Founders Program, a six-week initiative aimed at developing university research into startups with commercial potential.
The program builds on Mubadala’s investment in Antler and its broader role in supporting the UAE’s innovation landscape. Antler will lead the initial stages, focusing on ideation, venture validation, and founder development, while Hub71 will host the program and connect participants with Abu Dhabi’s technology and investment community.
Ali AlMheiri, Executive Director, Diversified Assets of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, commented in a statement, “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 new and innovative high-growth sectors that strengthen Abu Dhabi’s knowledge economy and create a positive impact on our communities. By bringing together universities, venture builders, and industry under one national framework, we are creating a strong engine for economic growth, talent development, and long-term value.”
Romain Assuncao, Managing Partner, Antler in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP), said, “Abu Dhabi is positioned to become a regional hub for research-led innovation. This program 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, said, “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.”
Participants will have access to Hub71’s network of mentors, experts, and partners, along with regulatory support and go-to-market services. Additional workshops, investor connections, and tailored support are intended to help participants establish and grow their ventures.
The program is designed to attract top research talent from Abu Dhabi’s leading universities. Participants selected for the initiative will take part in a structured curriculum that combines workshops, one-on-one coaching, and specialized expertise, while also gaining entry to Antler’s and Mubadala’s global networks. A defining element of the program is its emphasis on corporate collaboration, opening doors for startups to engage with established companies through pilots, co-development opportunities, access to infrastructure, and strategic support.
Image courtesy Mubadala Investment Company.
