Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has signed its first US-based partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), establishing a new bridge for high-growth startups to scale across the Atlantic.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) in New York. The agreement sets the foundation for reciprocal access between Abu Dhabi and New Jersey’s startup ecosystems, enabling founders to scale internationally.
The agreement further strengthens the US-UAE strategic cooperation across high-impact sectors such as AI and clean energy. The agreement with NJEDA complements Hub71’s growing portfolio of international partnerships, including a recent strategic alliance with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).
The MoU is aimed at advancing cross-border collaboration between the UAE and Japan. Together, these partnerships highlight Hub71’s commitment to building a globally connected ecosystem that enables the exchange of innovation across key markets.
Through joint programming, market visits and facilitated introductions to investors, regulators and corporates, startups will benefit from soft-landing support in each market. With targeted backing from both ecosystems, founders will gain access to new customer bases, capital opportunities and tailored expertise to accelerate commercial success.
Following Governor Phil Murphy’s economic mission to the UAE in April, he had visited Hub71’s headquarters at Abu Dhabi Global Market, reinforcing the UAE’s strategic position as a gateway for US startups expanding into the MENA region and beyond. The MoU with NJEDA marks another milestone in Hub71’s cross-border expansion strategy, complementing existing partnerships across Asia and Europe and advancing its mission to scale ventures globally from Abu Dhabi.
Ahmad Ali Alwan CEO – Hub71
“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.”
NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan said that, under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is building strong international partnerships that drive investments in new industries and diversify the state’s economy. He added that NJEDA has developed a powerful toolkit to support innovative startups and is eager to collaborate with Hub71 to highlight opportunities both in Abu Dhabi and New Jersey.
As Abu Dhabi continues to grow its reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation, this partnership further reinforces Hub71’s role in enabling startup growth through international collaboration and alignment with world-leading tech ecosystems.
