Abu Dhabi Investment Forum/Image: Supplied
Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has signed its first US-based partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), creating a transatlantic bridge for high-growth startups to scale internationally. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in New York.
The agreement establishes reciprocal access between Abu Dhabi and New Jersey’s startup ecosystems, providing founders with opportunities to expand across both markets. It also builds on the broader US-UAE strategic cooperation in sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and clean energy.
Unlocking international opportunities for founders
Through joint programming, market visits, and curated introductions to investors, regulators, and corporates, startups will gain soft-landing support in both ecosystems. This targeted backing will provide founders with access to new customer bases, capital opportunities, and tailored expertise to accelerate commercial growth.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: “Technology continues to transcend borders, and innovation ecosystems must strengthen their ties to support the global ambitions of founders. Our collaboration with Choose New Jersey is focused on unlocking soft-landing opportunities for startups looking to expand internationally, while deepening the exchange of knowledge, talent, and innovation. By opening our ecosystems to one another, we are creating pathways for ventures to achieve global scale.”
Tim Sullivan, chief executive officer of NJEDA, added: “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is cultivating important international partnerships around the globe, leading to greater investments into new industries and a more diverse economy. The NJEDA has built a robust toolkit to support innovative startups, and we’re excited to work with Hub71 to promote the exciting opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the Garden State.”
Read: Hub71 welcomes record AI startups in latest cohort, boosting Abu Dhabi’s tech push
Strengthening US-UAE innovation ties
The MoU follows Governor Phil Murphy’s economic mission to the UAE in April, which included a visit to Hub71’s headquarters at Abu Dhabi Global Market. The move reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway for US startups expanding into the MENA region and beyond.
This partnership with NJEDA is a key milestone in Hub71’s global expansion strategy, complementing existing alliances across Asia and Europe, including a recent strategic collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). Together, these initiatives highlight Hub71’s commitment to building a globally connected ecosystem that supports the exchange of innovation across leading markets.
As Abu Dhabi strengthens its standing as a global hub for technology and entrepreneurship, the agreement reinforces Hub71’s mission to accelerate startup growth through cross-border collaboration and alignment with world-class innovation ecosystems.
