Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem, has launched the region’s first Microsoft Reactor Program as it further expands its ecosystem.
Currently, Hub71 has 35 innovative startups in its network with the announcement of 17 winners of the Hub71 Incentive Package.
As part of its strategic partnership with Microsoft, Hub71’s Microsoft Reactor Program will be a centre for technical learning and knowledge-sharing where developers and startup founders can connect with the local community.
The Microsoft Reactor Program will provide a curriculum to help these professionals strengthen expertise around emerging topics such as cloud services and Artificial Intelligence. This comprehensive programme is available to Hub71 residents and the broader community free of charge. Microsoft for Startups will also operate out of Hub71, which is designed to support startups as they build and scale their companies.
As part of the Hub71 Incentive Program, the startups have access to 100 percent free housing, office space and health insurance for two years for seed companies and 50 percent subsidizes for emergent companies, for three years, worth around $950,000 (AED 3.5 million).
Ibrahim Ajami, head of Ventures, Mubadala Capital, said, “The 17 winning startups joining Hub71 will make waves across multiple industries, adding diversity to Abu Dhabi’s tech economy from around the world and creating new jobs in the Emirate. To further support the success of Hub71’s community of innovative startups, we’re pleased to welcome the Microsoft Reactor programme to Hub71; providing new skills and enabling companies to materialize their best innovations yet.”
Jeana Jorgensen, general Manager, Cloud and AI Division at Microsoft, said, “Built to support the Gulf’s unprecedented rate of digital transformation, we are thrilled to open a Microsoft Reactor within Hub71. The concentration of globally minded startups, investors and industry, represents an enormous opportunity. We believe bringing these elements together with Mubadala and Hub71 will be a catalyst for the region.”
Hub71, which opened its programme to the public last October, received 348 applications from 47 countries – with the UAE, USA, Lebanon, India and Egypt forming the top five countries.
