Mubadala and Antler Launch National Founders Programme to Ignite UAE’s Innovation Engine
Abu Dhabi is taking a bold step to cultivate its next generation of tech innovators through a strategic partnership between Mubadala Investment Company, Singaporean venture capital firm Antler, and Abu Dhabi’s leading tech ecosystem, Hub71. This collaboration introduces the National Founders Programme, a focused six-week initiative designed to transform promising university research into viable, scalable startups with significant commercial applications. This programme underscores Mubadala’s ongoing commitment to fostering a dynamic innovation landscape within the UAE, building upon its previous investment in Antler and its broader role in supporting the nation’s tech ecosystem.
Driving Research to Market: A Collaborative Approach
The National Founders Programme is structured to systematically guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the crucial early stages of venture creation. Antler, renowned for its global startup generation platform, will spearhead the initial phases, concentrating on critical aspects like ideation, rigorous venture validation, and comprehensive founder development. Simultaneously, Hub71 will provide a vital operational base, hosting the programme and leveraging its extensive network to connect participants directly with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant technology and investment community. This synergy aims to bridge the gap between academic innovation and market readiness. Ali AlMheiri, Executive Director, Diversified Assets of Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, highlighted the proactive nature of this initiative, stating, “We are not waiting for innovation to happen; we are driving it. Through this programme, we are transforming high-potential research into scalable ventures with clear commercial applications. It reflects our broader mandate.”
This strategic alliance is poised to significantly accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge research, creating a robust pipeline of deep tech and innovative enterprises. By bringing together capital, expertise, and a supportive ecosystem, the National Founders Programme is set to empower a new wave of founders, contributing substantially to Abu Dhabi’s vision as a global hub for technological advancement and economic diversification. It exemplifies a forward-thinking model for harnessing academic potential to fuel economic growth and innovation across emerging tech markets globally.
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