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- UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0
UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0: How Indian Founders Can Access Up To AED 500,000
- Published: 22 July 2026
- 11 min read
- Company Registration, Foreigner's Guide
Ruth Dsouza
Author
Ruth Dsouza Prabhu is a content developer passionate about turning ideas into clear, compelling narratives. Drawing on her experience in marketing communications and lifestyle writing, she makes complex business topics understandable for UAE entrepreneurs. Her work spans strategy, storytelling, and thought leadership, delivering content that is both credible and impactful. Ruth’s articles empower business owners to gain actionable insights, make informed decisions, and confidently navigate their entrepreneurial journey.
Following a successful inaugural edition, the UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0 is inviting a new cohort of Indian startups to explore expansion into Abu Dhabi. Led by Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, the programme gives selected founders direct access to investors, mentors, corporate partners, and market-entry support. One startup will also have the opportunity to join Hub71's Access Programme and receive support of up to AED 500,000 through a combination of cash and in-kind incentives. Whether you are exploring your first international market or planning your next phase of growth, this guide explains how the programme works, who should apply, and how to make the most of the opportunity.
Key Takeaways
- The UAE-India Start-Up Series gives Indian startups direct access to Hub71's ecosystem, connecting founders with investors, corporate partners, and government stakeholders.
- One startup will have the opportunity to join Hub71's Access Programme and receive support of up to AED 500,000 through a combination of cash and in-kind incentives.
- The programme is designed for scale-ready startups with early traction and a clear strategy for expanding into the UAE.
What is the UAE-India Start-Up Series?
The UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0 is a market access initiative designed to help high-potential Indian startups explore expansion into Abu Dhabi. Organised by Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, in partnership with government and ecosystem stakeholders, the programme provides founders with structured access to investors, mentors, corporate partners, and the wider innovation ecosystem.
The second edition builds on the success of the inaugural programme, which helped create a direct pathway for Indian startups to engage with Abu Dhabi's startup ecosystem. Rather than asking founders to navigate a new market independently, the programme combines expert guidance, ecosystem introductions, and practical support to help businesses assess opportunities for regional growth.
Selected startups first participate in the Hub71 Immersion Programme, where they take part in workshops, networking sessions, investor meetings, and market discovery activities. One startup is then invited to join the Hub71 Access Programme, Hub71's flagship growth programme, and receives support of up to AED 500,000, comprising AED 250,000 in cash and AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE).
How the programme works?
Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Apply | Eligible Indian startups submit an application outlining their business, traction, and growth plans. |
| Hub71 Immersion Programme | Selected founders participate in workshops, investor meetings, ecosystem introductions, and market discovery sessions in Abu Dhabi. |
| Hub71 Access Programme | One startup is selected to join Hub71's flagship programme and receive support of up to AED 500,000 through cash and in-kind incentives. |
| Regional expansion | Founders continue building relationships with investors, corporate partners, and customers while exploring long-term growth opportunities across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). |
The UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0 is more than a market access programme. It also offers Indian founders a gateway into one of the region's fastest-growing innovation ecosystems. Understanding why Abu Dhabi has become such an attractive destination for startups helps explain the value of participating in the programme.
Why Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi has rapidly established itself as one of the most attractive destinations for Indian startups looking to expand internationally. Since the India-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in 2022, bilateral trade has surpassed US$100 billion, reinforcing the UAE's position as one of India's largest trading partners. Alongside stronger economic ties, Abu Dhabi has invested heavily in innovation, venture capital, and startup infrastructure, making it an increasingly attractive base for founders targeting markets across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
At the heart of this ecosystem is Hub71, which is home to 390 startups, including 295 ventures supported through its programmes. Collectively, these startups have raised more than US$ 2.7 billion in funding, while the ecosystem continues to attract founders, investors, and multinational companies from around the world.
Who is the programme designed for?
While startups from a range of industries are encouraged to apply, the programme is particularly well-suited to high-growth, innovation-led businesses in sectors such as:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Financial technology (FinTech)
- Health technology (HealthTech)
- Climate technology (ClimateTech)
- Mobility
- Cybersecurity
- Enterprise software
- Other high-growth technology businesse
For Indian founders, the UAE-India Start-Up Series provides a structured way to explore this opportunity. Rather than entering a new market independently, selected startups gain direct access to Hub71's ecosystem, allowing them to understand the market, build relationships, and evaluate whether Abu Dhabi is the right base for regional expansion.
What do selected startups receive?
Benefit | What founders gain |
|---|---|
| Hub71 Immersion Programme | Workshops, ecosystem introductions, investor meetings, and practical market-entry guidance in Abu Dhabi. |
| Hub71 Access Programme | One startup is ultimately onboarded into Hub71's flagship programme, receiving tailored support to establish and scale its business. |
| Funding support | Eligible startups may receive up to AED 500,000 in total support: AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives and AED 250,000 in cash through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). |
| Investor access | Opportunities to connect with venture capital firms, angel investors, and strategic partners. |
| Government and corporate networks | Introductions to organisations that can support market entry, partnerships, and commercial growth. |
| Mentorship | Guidance from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts. |
| Regional expansion | A pathway to explore opportunities across the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). |
Hub71's scale also illustrates why the programme is about much more than funding. In 2025, the ecosystem received more than 5,000 startup applications globally, a 62% increase over the previous year, and its startups have generated more than US$ 1.5 billion in cumulative revenue. The UAE-India Start-Up Series has also attracted significant interest from Indian founders, reflecting growing demand for structured international expansion opportunities. Beyond financial support, Hub71's network connects startups with investors, corporates, and government stakeholders who can help accelerate long-term growth.
Entering a new market, however, extends beyond funding and networking. As founders begin evaluating expansion, practical considerations such as business setup, banking, accounting, and compliance become equally important to building a sustainable presence in the UAE.
Is the programme right for your startup?
The UAE-India Start-Up Series is best suited to startups that are ready to explore international expansion rather than those still validating their business model. If you're considering applying, ask yourself whether your business is ready for the opportunities and the commitment that come with entering a new market.
The programme could be a good fit if... | You may want to wait if... |
|---|---|
| You're planning to expand beyond India within the next few years. | Your product or business model is still being validated. |
| You have a scalable technology or innovation-led business. | Your immediate priorities are focused solely on the Indian market. |
| You're looking to build relationships with investors, partners, and customers in the UAE. | You don't yet have the resources to support international expansion. |
| You're ready to invest time in understanding a new market. | You're primarily seeking grant funding rather than long-term market access. |
For founders with global ambitions, the UAE-India Start-Up Series offers more than the chance to receive funding. It provides structured access to one of the region's fastest-growing startup ecosystems, helping businesses assess opportunities, build relationships, and gain practical insights before making a long-term expansion decision.
If the programme aligns with your growth plans, the next step is understanding who can apply, the eligibility requirements, and how to prepare a competitive application.
How to apply for the UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0
The application process is straightforward, but a well-prepared submission can significantly strengthen your chances.
Step | What you'll need to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Submit your application | Complete the online application during the programme window and provide details about your company, product, and founding team. |
| 2. Share supporting information | Submit your pitch deck and information on traction, customers, funding, technology, and expansion plans. |
| 3. Evaluation | Applications are assessed for innovation, scalability, market potential, and team strength. Shortlisted startups may be invited for interviews or further discussions. |
| 4. Final selection | Successful applicants are invited to participate in the Hub71 Immersion Programme, with one startup ultimately progressing to the Hub71 Access Programme. |
Are you eligible to apply?
The UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0 is designed for Indian startups that are ready to take the next step towards international growth. While startups at different stages are welcome to apply, the strongest candidates are those with a proven product, early customer traction, and a clear strategy for expanding into the UAE.
Applications are evaluated on more than just the idea itself. Reviewers look for businesses with the potential to scale, a strong founding team, and a compelling case for why Abu Dhabi is the right market for their next phase of growth.
You should ideally have… | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| An Indian-registered startup | The programme is designed specifically for Indian founders. |
| An innovative, scalable business model | Hub71 focuses on businesses with regional or global growth potential. |
| A committed founding team | Investors and ecosystem partners assess the team's ability to execute. |
| A clear expansion strategy | Applicants should be able to explain why the UAE is the right next market. |
| A working product or demonstrable traction | Customer adoption, pilots, revenue, or partnerships can strengthen an application. |
What makes a strong application?
While every startup is evaluated on its own merits, the strongest applications typically demonstrate:
- A product that has moved beyond the idea stage.
- Early customer traction through users, pilots, partnerships or revenue.
- A scalable business model with regional or global potential.
- A clear rationale for expanding into the UAE.
- A committed founding team with the ability to execute.
Before you apply
Before submitting your application, ask yourself:
- Is your business ready for international expansion?
- Can you clearly explain why the UAE is your next market?
- Is your pitch deck current and your business information consistent?
- Is your pitch deck current and your business information consistent?
- Do you have the time and resources to participate fully in the programme?
The strongest applications tell a clear story. Rather than focusing solely on the product, demonstrate why your team is well placed to build the business, why the UAE is the logical next step, and how the UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0 will help accelerate your growth.
What Happens if You Are Selected?
Being selected is just the beginning of your UAE expansion journey. Successful applicants gain direct exposure to Abu Dhabi's startup ecosystem through Hub71, allowing them to validate opportunities, build valuable relationships, and assess the market before making long-term expansion decisions. Here is how you will journey through the programme:
Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Hub71 Immersion Programme | Participate in workshops, ecosystem briefings, investor meetings and networking sessions designed to introduce you to Abu Dhabi's startup ecosystem. |
| Market validation | Engage with investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners while assessing customer demand, partnership opportunities, and your regional expansion strategy. |
| Hub71 Access Programme | One startup is selected to join Hub71's flagship programme and may receive support of up to AED 500,000 through a combination of cash and in-kind incentives under a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE). |
| Scale from Abu Dhabi | Continue building your business with access to Hub71's network of investors, mentors, corporate partners, and opportunities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). |
Startup spotlight: Endimension Technology, the inaugural winner of the UAE-India Start-Up Series, progressed from the Hub71 Immersion Programme to the Hub71 Access Programme.
The Mumbai-based AI-first radiology platform incubated at IIT Bombay was accepted into Hub71's Access Programme as part of Cohort 18, selected from a record 2,453 applications across 112 countries. Backed by investors including Inflection Point Ventures, SucSEED Indovation, and SINE IIT Bombay, the company serves over 800 hospitals and diagnostic centres across India and has analysed more than 1.5 million scans, and has since been establishing its presence in Abu Dhabi, demonstrating how the initiative can help Indian startups turn international ambitions into a practical growth strategy.
As operations become more established, founders often move beyond incorporation to evaluating accounting packages that can support bookkeeping, VAT, corporate tax, and ongoing compliance as the business scales.
Other Ways to Explore the UAE Business Ecosystem
The UAE-India Start-Up Series offers Indian founders more than the opportunity to secure funding. It provides structured access to one of the Middle East's most dynamic startup ecosystems, helping businesses explore a new market, build strategic relationships, and take the first steps towards international growth.
While the programme is one way to enter the UAE market, it's only one part of the expansion journey. Whether you're setting up after Hub71 or expanding independently, founders still need to navigate business setup, banking, bookkeeping, VAT, corporate tax, and ongoing compliance as they establish and grow their presence in the UAE.
That's where Osome comes in. Whether you're entering the UAE through the UAE-India Start-Up Series or pursuing expansion independently, Osome helps founders navigate the practical side of doing business, from business setup support and accounting to tax and compliance. With the operational essentials taken care of, you can focus on what matters most: building your business, serving your customers, and growing with confidence.