Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has welcomed 27 startups as part of its latest Cohort 16, further enhancing the emirate’s position as a regional technology hub. The new cohort spans Hub71’s three programs: Access, Hub71+ ClimateTech, and Hub71+ Digital Assets, bringing the total number of ventures supported by the ecosystem to 357.

Startups in Cohort 16 have collectively raised over $145m (Dhs532m) in funding, averaging $4.9m (Dhs18m) per startup. Notably, 63 per cent of the selected startups are headquartered outside the UAE, reinforcing Hub71’s success in attracting high-growth international ventures from key technology markets, including the US, UK and Germany.

“Cohort 16 reinforces the global confidence in Hub71 as a launchpad for transformative ideas from Abu Dhabi,” said Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71. “The selection process is highly competitive, reflecting the exceptional calibre of startups in our ecosystem. These companies are advancing innovation across key tech sectors while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a global tech hub.”

Diverse global startups join Hub71

Among the selected startups is Vivan Therapeutics, a UK-based precision medicine company leveraging AI and fruit fly models for personalized cancer treatments, which has secured $10m (Dhs36m) in funding.

From Germany, Theion is developing sustainable sulfur-based batteries, capable of storing up to three times more energy than traditional batteries, and has joined the Hub71+ ClimateTech programme.

Meanwhile, Redbrick, a South Korean cloud-based 3D creation engine utilising AI and blockchain, has raised $16.3m (Dhs59.8m) and is now part of the Hub71+ Digital Assets programme.

UAE-based startups

One in three startups in Cohort 16 is based in the UAE, demonstrating the country’s emergence as a global entrepreneurship hub. Notable among them are:

Qashio, an award-winning spend management platform, which has raised $10m (Dhs36m).

Switch Foods, a food tech company producing affordable plant-based meats, has raised $12.5m (Dhs45.9m) and launched Abu Dhabi’s first plant-based meat production facility.

Selected startups in Cohort 16

More than 50 per cent of the startups in Cohort 16 are Seed and Series A ventures, operating across nine industries, including fintech, climatetech, healthtech, edtech, and mobility and logistics.

By joining Hub71, these companies gain access to a network of investors, partners, and mentors, as well as market opportunities and capital resources to scale their businesses.

Access Programme

Aurem – A central operating system for workplace saving and wealth providers

Cambio ML – AI-powered data science agent for enterprises

Desert Farms – Science-backed baby formula using camel milk proteins

Esports XO – A platform connecting gamers with tournaments and publishers

Fundbot Technologies – B2B supply chain financing solution

Hotdesk – A workspace optimisation and hybrid work management platform

Mithryl – AI-driven automation for industrial companies

Nodeshift – Decentralised, no-code AI cloud platform

Onloop – AI-powered productivity enhancement for teams

Qashio – B2B financial management and spend tracking

Raintech – AI-driven voice assistant for operating rooms

Simpleem – Behaviour-analysis AI for business insights

Skipr – AI-driven VPN enhancing privacy and security

Taxo – AI-powered medical billing and coding automation

Vivan Therapeutics – AI-driven personalised cancer treatment platform

Watermelon Ecosystem – Digital marketplace for F&B suppliers

xMap – AI-powered geospatial intelligence platform

Hub71+ ClimateTech

Airmo – Real-time methane insights for the energy sector

New Path Bio – Precision fermentation for health-promoting proteins

Orbillion Bio – B2B cultivated beef company

Switch Foods – Locally produced plant-based meat alternatives

Theion – Sustainable sulfur-based battery technology

Hub71+ Digital Assets

InvoiceMate – Blockchain and AI-powered invoicing platform

Redbrick – AI-driven game and metaverse engine

Rilla Network – Decentralised infrastructure for live streaming

Sustainable Bitcoin Protocol – Clean energy verification for Bitcoin

1Money – Stablecoin-exclusive global payment network

Taha Khalifa, GM Middle East and Africa, Intel

For Intel, LEAP 2025 has offered a strategic platform to showcase its latest technological advancements and engage with a diverse audience of industry leaders, innovators, and investors.

The event’s focus on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and smart cities aligns with Intel’s core business areas, providing opportunities to explore collaborations and partnerships.

Ahmad Sidawi, country manager, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Genesys

LEAP 2025 has been a great opportunity for us to present the future of customer experience and how Genesys is transforming this space through AI-powered Experience Orchestration. We’ve been showcasing how the Genesys Cloud platform is enabling businesses to deliver personalised and seamless customer service across every touchpoint. With innovations in AI, chatbots, and analytics, we help businesses improve engagement and enhance satisfaction. At LEAP, we’ve been demonstrating how companies can harness the power of intelligent automation to optimise their customer journeys, reduce operational costs, and drive growth.

Samer Diya, META VP, Forcepoint

As one of the most prominent technology shows in the region, LEAP in Saudi Arabia offers an opportunity to reiterate the importance of data security in the digital world. While AI has quickly become integral to business operations, the ongoing AI transformation has only amplified the reality that data is every organisation’s top asset — which is why protecting it everywhere is critical. Coupled with shifting global regulatory requirements, businesses must understand how to proactively bolster their data security posture.

Our objective at LEAP has been to collaborate with our partners across Saudi Arabia to highlight how our ‘Data Security Everywhere’ approach empowers organisations to securely and compliantly navigate their unique digital and AI transformation. Prioritising data security wherever it resides has proven to be essential – especially as Saudi Arabia continues to elevate into the global AI sector through initiatives like Vision 2030 and Project Transcendence. This year, we’re focused on investing in technology that delivers complete endpoint data protection, visibility and control of high-risk data, secure web usage, and secure SaaS app usage. Through our advancements in DLP, DSPM, SWG and CASB technologies, we are working with partners across the region to deliver real-time visibility and control without compromising user productivity.

LEAP has provided the ideal space to demonstrate how organisations can innovate confidently while tackling the growing demand for data security. It’s also a platform for collaboration, allowing us to exchange insights, engage with forward-thinking partners, and explore solutions to today’s most pressing cybersecurity challenges.

Meriam ElOuazzani, senior regional director META, SentinelOne

The Middle East continues to be a thriving hub for digital transformation, and events like LEAP spotlight the region’s role in shaping the future of technology. Cybersecurity remains a cornerstone of innovation, and at SentinelOne, we are proud to lead the way with autonomous, AI-driven solutions that empower organisations to stay ahead of advanced threats. As the digital economy grows exponentially, so does the complexity of cyber risks.

Our participation at LEAP 2025 highlights our commitment to delivering hyper-resilient, automated security solutions that not only protect businesses but also accelerate their growth in an increasingly connected world. At SentinelOne, we believe in equipping enterprises with the tools to confidently embrace digital transformation without compromise. We enjoyed engaging with partners, customers, and industry leaders at LEAP, showcasing how our cutting-edge EDR, XDR, and ITDR solutions are enabling smarter, faster, and more secure innovations.

Rami Beidas, country GM for Saudi Arabia at NTT DATA MEA

At LEAP 2025, NTT DATA MEA has been showcasing a diverse range of innovative solutions that demonstrate the company’s expertise in sports technology, IoT, robotics, healthcare, cybersecurity, and managed services.

NTT DATA’s senior executives took to the stage at the LEAP Conference, sharing insights on key industry topics. On February 11, Christian Koch, SVP of Cybersecurity for IoT/OT, Innovations and Business Development at NTT DATA, delivered a keynote titled ‘Cybersecurity in Smart Cities: Safeguarding the Digital Pulse of Urban Life’. Additionally, on February 10, Prashil Gareeb, VP of Managed Networking and Collaboration Services at NTT DATA MEA, joined a panel discussion on ‘The Future of Work: Intersection of Social Enterprises and Emerging Technologies’.

NTT DATA MEA is showcasing advanced sports tech solutions designed to enhance fan engagement and sports operations. These solutions highlight advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), analytics, and digital twin technologies. The company’s recent partnership with Arsenal, and other prominent sporting organisations, emphasises the relevance of its offerings to Saudi Arabia, especially as the nation gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

NTT DATA is also showcasing its healthcare solutions that aim to transform patient care and operational workflows, alongside its robust cybersecurity offerings designed to counter evolving digital threats. The company’s comprehensive managed services portfolio will demonstrate its ability to optimize IT infrastructure and streamline operations, reinforcing its commitment to delivering end-to-end solutions.

LEAP this year has been a great opportunity for us to engage with key stakeholders, including government entities, enterprises, and tech innovators, to demonstrate how our advanced offerings — spanning AI, IoT, smart cities, cloud, and cybersecurity — can support the region’s strategic goals. We have been engaging with partners, showcasing our leadership in the technology landscape, and positioning NTT DATA as a trusted partner in delivering cutting-edge solutions to drive sustainable growth across industries in the kingdom.

Harish Chib, VP of Emerging Markets, Middle East and Africa, Sophos

At LEAP 2025, Sophos is showcasing cutting-edge innovations designed to address the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. These include our AI-powered managed detection and response (MDR) service, which combines advanced machine learning with 24/7 proactive threat hunting to detect and neutralise attacks before they cause harm. Our extended detection and response (XDR) solution further leverages AI-driven analytics, integrating data from endpoints, servers, firewalls, and email to deliver a unified and intelligent threat response.

We are also highlighting our next-generation XGS Series firewalls, which use AI to enhance performance and detect sophisticated threats in real-time, providing organisations with robust and adaptive security.

As first-time participants at LEAP, this has been a unique opportunity to reinforce Sophos’ leadership in cybersecurity innovation, connect with industry professionals, and explore partnerships in this dynamic region. LEAP offers an unparalleled platform to share our vision, demonstrate how AI powers our solutions, and show how Sophos is empowering businesses to stay ahead of modern, AI-enabled threats.

Ahmad Sidawi, country manager, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Genesys

LEAP 2025 has been a great opportunity for us to present the future of customer experience and how Genesys is transforming this space through AI-powered Experience Orchestration. We’re excited to showcase how the Genesys Cloud platform enables businesses to deliver personalised and seamless customer service across every touchpoint.

With innovations in AI, chatbots, and analytics, we can help businesses improve engagement and enhance satisfaction. At LEAP, we’ve been demonstrating how companies can harness the power of intelligent automation to optimise their customer journeys, reduce operational costs, and drive growth.

Read: LEAP East to debut in Hong Kong in July 2026

Sports have a unique power to unite people across cultures, creating shared moments of excitement and pride. Nowhere is this more evident than in global events like Formula 1, where technology has increasingly redefined how fans interact with the sport.

Over the decades, sports have evolved from grainy black-and-white broadcasts to today’s high-definition streams, immersive virtual reality experiences, and advanced analytics that allow fans to engage with their favourite events in unprecedented ways. This fusion of sports and technology has deepened our connection to the games, transforming them into experiences that are accessible, interactive, and endlessly engaging.

The GCC: A hub for sports innovation

This evolution of sports and technology continues to reshape fan experiences, especially in tech-savvy regions like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Recently, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in esports, a rapidly growing sector in digital entertainment. The country’s Esports World Cup (EWC) hosting has positioned it as a global hub for e-sports.

The UAE has emerged as a leader in traditional sports engagement, with 89 per cent of its population regularly following sports across various media. This high engagement is supported by substantial investments in sports infrastructure and technology, which have positioned the UAE as a focal point for sports and entertainment.

Dubai alone hosts over 400 academies, including partnerships with renowned names like Real Madrid and Manchester City, showcasing the country’s commitment to nurturing sports talent.

The UAE has also become a major destination for Formula 1, hosting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009 at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit.

The annual F1 event has become a global sports and entertainment calendar highlight, attracting top athletes and world-class acts and drawing audiences from the region and beyond.

The game-changer in sports: AI’s expanding role

Artificial intelligence is transforming the sports landscape in the GCC, bringing fans closer to the action and elevating the experience in previously unimaginable ways. AI is reshaping how fans engage with sports across the region by delivering personalised experiences, real-time updates, and immersive virtual or augmented reality features.

Intelligent stadiums and digital arenas enhance this connection, creating interactive environments that make in-person attendance more engaging and enjoyable.

Beyond fan engagement, AI is also advancing athletic performance and sports management. From AI-driven analytics that provide coaches with precise, data-supported insights for training to wearable technologies that aid in injury prevention, AI ensures that athletes can reach and sustain their peak performance levels. In addition, gamification powered by AI transforms spectators into active participants through fantasy sports and in-stadium gaming, turning passive watching into an immersive, participative experience.

As we look to the future, AI is set to redefine sports as we know it. From smart stadiums to immersive VR experiences, AI transforms every aspect of playing, watching, and engaging with sports. Imagine holographic players in your living room or AI-driven insights rivalling human coaches. The future of sports promises fans unprecedented access, athletes performing at their peak, and a new era of innovation.

So get ready — the AI-powered sports revolution is here, and it’s just getting started.

The writer is the CBO and CEO for New Markets at Globant.

Abu Dhabi is set to become a global hub for sports and entertainment entrepreneurship with the launch of E1H, a pioneering innovation hub by Ethara and OneToWatch.

Designed to support startups from ideation to commercialisation, E1H offers mentorship, investment opportunities, and industry access to entrepreneurs in sectors such as esports, fan engagement, sustainability, and digital experiences.

Here, Guillaume Dufond, ED Strategic Development at Ethara, and Jamie Cunningham, ED at OneToWatch, discuss how E1H aims to shape the future of sports and entertainment in the UAE and beyond.

Jamie Cunningham

What inspired the creation of the E1H?

E1H was created to stimulate the sports and entertainment economy. We’re here to support entrepreneurs and foster the next generation of innovative businesses, whether they’re based in the UAE or internationally. Through our access to expertise, commerce and capital, we will also connect entrepreneurs and investors to drive meaningful growth in the industry from our hub at Yas Marina Circuit.

How does E1H intend to help local and international startups and entrepreneurs move from ideation to commercialisation? What’s the USP?

Joining the E1H ecosystem will hugely benefit new startups and entrepreneurs, both in the UAE and internationally. It is a unique opportunity to join the region’s first dedicated sports and entertainment Innovation Hub. E1H offers a six-week structured Incubator programme featuring a dedicated mentor, access to industry experts, regular events, a unique workspace and a pitch to investors. We will announce our Xcelerator programme soon.

What kind of mentorship, investment, and industry access can entrepreneurs expect to receive?

Each E1H member will be paired with a mentor with relevant business experience to help refine, challenge and grow their business or concept. Members will also participate in weekly workshops covering topics from capital raising to business modelling to strategic partnerships, all of which are essential to new business growth.

We will connect entrepreneurs to our partner network of both corporate and government partners to test member products/services with a view to a commercial partnership. At the end of the Incubator, each member will pitch to local and international investors.

What are the key selection criteria for applicants looking to join E1H across both programmes?

E1H is open to startups across all sectors of sports and entertainment, with a focus on those driving innovation. Key sectors include content, experiential, esports and gaming, health and wellness, sustainability and technology. Obviously, a business with a specific concept which is relevant to Ethara’s portfolio of venues and events stands a good chance of being considered for the incubator programme. Ultimately, E1H is looking for founders with fresh ideas ready to shape the future of the industry.

What is an ideal outcome for the E1H Incubator? What does success look like?

Success for the Incubator programme is seeing startups progress from a concept into a commercially viable proposition, securing investment and having an impact in the sports and entertainment industry locally – and eventually globally. Overall E1H aims to create an ecosystem in sports and entertainment in Abu Dhabi which is driven by innovation.”

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Guillaume Dufond

How did the partnership between Ethara and 1TW come about?

The partnership between Ethara and ONETOWATCH came together as we share the vision to drive innovation and growth in Abu Dhabi’s sports and entertainment economy. At Ethara, we have incredible industry experience from the events we run and venues we operate, while ONETOWATCH specialise in sports investment. Together, we’re creating an ecosystem to give the next generation of entrepreneurs the expertise and resources they need in the industry to succeed.

Why is the UAE, and MENA more broadly, an ideal environment for fostering entrepreneurial growth in sports and entertainment — especially in the case of international entrepreneurs?

The UAE and the wider MENA region are great places to develop a sports or entertainment startup. With the attraction of global events and a strong focus on community participation, there is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to innovate and grow.

International entrepreneurs will gain access to our network of local experts, investors and industry contacts, assisting development in the region and advancing business growth.

Building on the success of F1 and the sold-out Coldplay concerts, there’s a growing demand for cutting-edge solutions in fan engagement, venue tech, sustainability, digital experiences, and much more. Where do you see the most exciting growth potential in the sector over the next five-10 years and how does E1H aim to nurture entrepreneurs to advance innovation in these areas?

With the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Coldplay concerts drawing a combined 400,000 people, it’s clear there’s a huge demand for sports and entertainment in Abu Dhabi. The industry is constantly evolving, with exciting growth in sustainability, fan experience, health and wellness, technology, esports, gaming and content.

E1H is here to drive innovation in these areas by giving entrepreneurs access to mentorship, industry connections and investment, helping turn great ideas into successful businesses.

These events show the UAE’s ability to blend global appeal with local execution. What kind of long-term impact will E1H have on the local sports and entertainment ecosystem?

E1H will strengthen Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s sports and entertainment ecosystem by supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and start ups. As global events continue to thrive here, E1H will bring innovative ideas to areas across fan engagement, technology and sustainability. In the long term, E1H will reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub of sports and entertainment attracting talent from around the world to Abu Dhabi.

What’s next for E1H beyond its initial launch?

We will soon announce the launch of our Xcelerator, a 52-week programme for established businesses looking to develop Abu Dhabi as a regional or global headquarters. Applications for our 6-week Incubator programme are open until February 21st, with the programme set to begin on April 28.

In June, we will host our first investment forum, bringing together our partners and marking the official launch of the Xcelerator programme.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation under Vision 2030, Etihad Salam Telecom Company is at the forefront of shaping the kingdom’s telecommunications landscape.

At LEAP 2025, the company showcased its strategic advancements in AI, 5G, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing its role in driving innovation across key sectors. Gulf Business spoke with Abdullah Mohammad Khorami, Chief Business Officer at Etihad Salam Telecom Company, to discuss emerging industry trends, strategic partnerships, and how the company is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving digital ecosystem.

In your view, what are the emerging trends in telecommunications, and how is Etihad Salam Telecom Company positioning itself to lead in these areas under your leadership?

The telecommunications sector is currently undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by the emergence of ground-breaking technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. Etihad Salam Telecom Company is actively positioning itself as a leader in this transformative phase, strategically leveraging AI to drive sustainability and efficiency throughout its operations. The company’s participation in LEAP 2025 underscores its commitment to incorporating these emerging technologies to fuel future growth and innovation. Etihad Salam Telecom Company is not only looking to bolster its core services but is also aiming to play a pivotal role in the broader digital transformation touching critical sectors, including transport, healthcare, utilities, and retail. This ambition is in collaborative synch with the initiatives of the Saudi government, underlining Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s visionary approach to influencing the digital landscape domestically and possibly beyond.

With over 20 years of experience in IT, networking, and telecommunications, what key lessons have you learned, and how are you applying them in your role as Chief Business Officer at Etihad Salam Telecom Company?

Key lessons have been learned about the significance of adaptability, strategic foresight, and the value of partnerships. In my current role, these insights guide a proactive approach towards embracing technological advancements and emphasize the importance of strategic collaborations. This strategy is essential in securing Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s competitive edge in the market, allowing us to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. We constantly refine our operations and strategies to ensure sustained success and leadership in the telecommunications sector.

Given your strength in building strategic partnerships, what types of collaborations are you looking to establish to drive Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s mission forward?

Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s strategic approach to partnerships concentrates on aligning with entities that can strengthen its mission and enrich its service offerings. Pursuing additional data center partnerships is a key aspect of this strategy, highlighted by the company’s strategic collaboration with TLS, which aims to broaden its service spectrum and bolster the national digital infrastructure. Moreover, Etihad Salam Telecom Company is setting its sights on collaborations with global tech giants to introduce advanced AI capabilities to the region, and to develop AI-ready data centers.

At the forefront of Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s collaborative efforts is its partnership with EdgeNext, unveiled at LEAP 2025, which aims to boost EdgeNext’s service delivery and network capabilities in Saudi Arabia. This partnership will take advantage of Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s data center colocation and internet services, along with enhanced connectivity offered through the Saudi Internet Exchange. Additionally, Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s collaboration with ACES is set to revolutionize internet speeds in residential areas, promising up to 25 gigabits per second, facilitated by an Open Access Agreement that will augment network services and digital empowerment in Riyadh.

Etihad Salam Telecom Company is also extending its advanced connectivity and ICT solutions to revolutionize the operational efficiency, resource management, and service delivery of the National Water Company, in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious digital and economic transformation goals. Another significant partnership is with Genesys, aimed at transforming customer interactions through the integration of AI, automation, and cloud-based technologies into a comprehensive telecommunications solution, tailored to meet the evolving demands of Saudi consumers.

We have partnered with ServiceNow to accelerate SME growth in Saudi Arabia by offering integrated digital solutions and workflows, streamlining business operations to foster innovation and efficiency within the fast-growing sector. We announced a strategic partnership with Elm to deliver innovative smart city solutions and digital transformation services by combining Elm’s technological expertise with Salam’s telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing urban living and sustainability in Saudi Arabia.

Etihad Salam Telecom Company is advancing SME growth in Saudi Arabia through strategic partnerships with Applivary for Mobile Device Management and Dahua for CCTV surveillance, providing SMEs with scalable, innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, security, and customer service, thus reinforcing its commitment to SME digital transformation and support.

How does Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s digital transformation strategy align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, and what initiatives are you spearheading to contribute to this vision?

Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s digital transformation strategy is intricately woven into the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, with a particular focus on accelerating digital transformation across critical sectors. By operating pivotal data centers in major cities such as Riyadh, Al Khobar, and Jeddah, and actively seeking out strategic partnerships, Etihad Salam Telecom Company is laying down the infrastructure foundation essential for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious digital leap forward. The company’s efforts in boosting AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud services infrastructure are making significant contributions towards achieving the comprehensive digital transformation goals set forth in Saudi Vision 2030. This alignment not only underscores Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s role as a catalyst in the nation’s digital evolution but also highlights its commitment to fostering a technologically empowered future for Saudi Arabia.

You’ve emphasized empowering teams and delivering impactful results. What approaches are you implementing to foster a culture of innovation and high performance within Etihad Salam Telecom Company?

Emphasizing the empowerment of teams and the delivery of impactful results, Etihad Salam Telecom Company is implementing several approaches to foster a culture of innovation and high performance. Initiatives aimed at skill development and career advancement are key components of this strategy, ensuring that the team remains competitive and well-informed about the latest industry trends and technologies.

Furthermore, Etihad Salam Telecom Company’s Saudization strategy is aligned with the broader goals of the national vision, making strides in attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. Etihad Salam Telecom Company is cultivating a work environment that values diversity, fresh perspectives, and innovative thinking by placing a strong focus on inclusivity and representation of women and youth. These efforts demonstrate a clear commitment to developing a workforce that not only reflects the demographic makeup of Saudi Arabia but also contributes to the dynamic, knowledge-based economy envisioned for the future.