Mubadala Investment Company, in collaboration with Antler and Hub71, has launched the National Founders Programme, a six-week venture-building initiative designed to convert university research into market-ready startups. The programme aligns academic innovation with industry demand and follows Mubadala’s investment in Antler, reinforcing its commitment to developing Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem.
Antler will lead the programme’s early phases, focusing on ideation, validation and founder development. Hub71 will host the initiative within its innovation ecosystem and support scaling efforts. Participants will access workshops, mentorship, regulatory support, go-to-market resources and Hub71’s network of investors, corporations and government partners, on top of founder-oriented services and ecosystem perks.
Ali AlMheiri, Executive Director of Diversified Assets at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform, said the programme aims to build scalable commercial ventures from high-potential research. “By bringing together universities, venture builders and industry under one national framework, we are creating a strong engine for economic growth, talent development and long-term value,” he added.
Romain Assuncao, Managing Partner at Antler MENAP, said Abu Dhabi is well placed to become a regional hub for research-led innovation and that the programme reflects a shared goal to connect early-stage talent with the infrastructure needed to succeed.
Hub71 CEO Ahmad Ali Alwan said the initiative will give participants direct access to tools, networks and expertise to launch and scale ventures from Abu Dhabi.
The offering targets high-potential researchers from universities in Abu Dhabi and includes coaching, a curated curriculum and connectivity to both Antler’s and Mubadala’s global networks. The programme also stands out for its focus on corporate collaboration, with pathways to pilot projects, co-development, infrastructure and strategic partnerships available.
