Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, has introduced the Hub71 Startup Immersion Programme at Investopia Hong Kong.
The initiative aims to provide later-stage Hong Kong startups with a pathway into Abu Dhabi’s technology ecosystem, supporting their efforts to expand regionally and access international markets.
Investopia, organised by the UAE Ministry of Economy, served as the platform for the announcement.
The launch highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering global economic partnerships through innovation, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for international scaling opportunities.
In the presence of Mohammed Alhawi, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Investment, Hub71 signed MoUs with three Hong Kong innovation hubs: HSITPL, Hong Kong Cyberport, and MTR Lab.
The agreements aim to build a pipeline of startups for the programme and encourage reciprocal ecosystem access, knowledge sharing and joint initiatives across government, infrastructure, and venture capital networks.
HSITPL is responsible for the development of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park (HSITP), which is part of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.
The park is guided by the “one river, two banks” and “one zone, two parks” principles, with the aim of becoming a world-class hub for innovation and technology.
Hong Kong Cyberport is recognised as a digital technology hub and an accelerator for artificial intelligence companies.
It supports more than 2,200 firms, including 11 listed companies and 10 unicorns. Founders from 26 countries and regions are represented, and Cyberport-based companies have expanded into over 35 international markets.
MTR Lab, a subsidiary of MTR Corporation, focuses on investment and the co-development of technologies related to mobility, smart cities and sustainability, with the goal of supporting the development of carbon-neutral urban communities.
The two-week immersion programme will combine virtual onboarding to prepare startups for market entry with an in-person component in Abu Dhabi. Founders will be introduced to regulators, investors and corporate partners, and provided with mentorship and networking opportunities.
Participants will also be able to connect with investors based in Abu Dhabi, explore pilot projects in the region, and engage with government and corporate entities contributing to the emirate’s digital economy.
The programme will conclude with a Demo Day during Hub71’s Impact Event in Abu Dhabi.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, Chief Executive of Hub71, said:
“Through the Hub71 Immersion Programme launched here, we connect ambitious ecosystems and create pathways for scaling startups beyond their home markets. We are enabling startups from Hong Kong to access new opportunities, leveraging Abu Dhabi’s global access to expand internationally and deliver innovative solutions that address global challenges.”
HSITPL has indicated its intention to collaborate with Hub71 in supporting startups from Mainland China and Hong Kong that are seeking to expand into Abu Dhabi and other markets.
Cyberport also plans to work with Hub71 on facilitating international growth for Hong Kong startups in the Middle East, while encouraging Middle Eastern enterprises to establish operations in Hong Kong to access markets in Mainland China, the Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia.
MTR Lab expressed its goal of linking its portfolio companies with Hub71 to explore opportunities for expansion into the Middle East and beyond.
This initiative is Hub71’s fourth cross-border engagement in 2025, following earlier collaborations in New Jersey, Japan and Ireland.
It forms part of a wider effort to link Abu Dhabi with other global innovation hubs and strengthen its role as a base for startups with international growth ambitions.
Applications are open for Hong Kong-based startups interested in exploring Abu Dhabi as their next centre of operations.
Featured image credit: Hub71
