The Future of Smart & Autonomous Mobility

Hub71 is your startup’s gateway into Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster. Smart and autonomous mobility startups joining Hub71 gain direct access to SAVI’s network of partners, regulators and testing environments. This enables founders to validate, deploy and scale solutions across land, air and sea.

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Access Programme - SAVI stream

Your gateway to SAVI

By joining Hub71’s Access programme, smart and autonomous mobility startups can gain access to Abu Dhabi’s SAVI cluster.

Hub71 serves as the structured entry point, connecting founders to the partners, infrastructure and regulatory pathways required to test, deploy and scale advanced mobility technologies.

Through SAVI, startups gain access to testing and regulatory environments, cybersecurity and data privacy frameworks, and critical infrastructure including industrial land, vertiports and charging networks. Founders also benefit from talent programmes with universities and industry, co funded research and development grants, and international government to government channels that support market entry and expansion.

Startups accepted into the Hub71 Access programme receive AED 250,000 in in kind support services and AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note. High performing startups may be eligible for an additional top up of up to AED 250,000 in exchange for further equity, subject to performance milestones following programme completion or after one year.

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Timeline

Application timeline and requirements

Hub71 is currently accepting applications for Cohort 20. The current deadline is 2 August 2026, and the programme starts in February 2027.

Timelines for Cohort20
- Application review: if you apply before the deadline, our sourcing and selection team will review your application between June and November 2026. You should be receiving feedback about the status of your application within 3 months of applying.
- Selection rounds:
  - Round 1: Application review
  - Round 2: Hub71 team meets shortlisted founders
  - Round 3: Hub71 partners meet shortlisted founders
  - Round 4: Final selection committee
- Programme: Hub71’s 12-month programme starts in February 2027.
Applications
- Applications do not close after the deadline: if you apply after the mentioned deadline related to a cohort, you will be considered for the next cohort.
- If you apply before the mentioned cohort deadline, you will be hearing back from the Hub71 team before the application review deadline mentioned in section 1 ends.
- During round 3, we invite relevant partners from our community to attend the sessions and be part of the evaluation process.
Selected startups
- Startups onboarded to the program will receive: AED 250,000 worth of flexible incentives that can be utilized with a range of service providers, and AED 250,000 in cash in exchange for equity through a SAFE note.
- High-performing startups committed to Abu Dhabi are eligible to receive a top-up of AED 250,000 in exchange for additional equity by the end of the one year program.
Requirements
- Startups should fill all required fields in the application form
- Pitch deck in PDF format highlighting the following main sections:
  - Problem, solution, value proposition, and business model
  - Competition, market, traction, and funds raised
  - Founders / Founding team
  - Plans for Hub71 and Abu Dhabi
- At least one founder is expected to commit to relocating long-term and building a team out of Abu Dhabi

Programme

timeline

Overview

A 12-month programme that provides a comprehensive support package for direct entry into Abu Dhabi’s marketplace, equipping founders of Web3 startups and blockchain technologies with in-kind and cash incentives and access to our vibrant community.

Programme launch (4 weeks)

In this launch phase, startups set KPIs and identify key areas for growth, ensuring a strong foundation for their journey into the UAE’s marketplace.

Market entry preparation (4 weeks)

This phase focuses on preparing startups for entry into the MENA region by guiding them through the UAE's corporate environment and investor landscape, ensuring they are well-equipped for success.

Corporate partners introduction

Hub71 will facilitate introductions to key partners within our network, exploring potential collaboration opportunities for startups.

Growth acceleration (4 weeks)

The ‘Growth’ phase concentrates on key areas such as fundraising, market expansion, and scaling teams to drive startup success.

Fundraising showcase

A fundraising event where startups meet with VCs within the ecosystem, culminating in a public Demo Day to showcase their progress and opportunities.

Ongoing support through incentives

Throughout the programme, startups will receive ongoing support through access to vetted service providers, utilizing incentives to further enhance their growth and operations.

Benefits of joining the programme

Infrastructure Enablement

Leverage Abu Dhabi’s advanced mobility infrastructure, including vertiports, charging stations, industrial land, and smart-city networks designed for next-generation vehicle testing and deployment.

Talent & Expertise

Collaborate with universities, R&D centres, and global OEMs to access world-class talent, co-development opportunities, and specialized industry training.

Collaborative Ecosystem

Join an integrated community of startups, corporates, regulators, and investors working together to shape the future of smart and autonomous mobility across land, air, and sea.