Indian Startups Face Final Deadline Today For UAE-India Series 2.0 Incentives
Indian startup founders aiming to expand into the UAE face a critical deadline today, August 30, 2026, as applications for the UAE-India Start-Up Series 2.0 close.
- Operated under the UAE-India CEPA Council with support from Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, Hub71
- Open to Indian-registered startups with a clear product or service, demonstrated market traction, and a credible UAE expansion roadmap
- Sector-agnostic initiative with additional relevance for HealthTech, FinTech, ClimateTech, and Advanced Manufacturing
Program Incentives and Structure
The program offers substantial incentives, notably through the Hub71 Access Programme. Three startups will be shortlisted, with one receiving a total package worth up to AED 500,000, comprising AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives and AED 250,000 in cash support provided via a Simple Agreement for Future Equity note. Furthermore, up to seven startups may be selected for the Hub71 Immersion Programme, which includes one week of virtual preparation followed by a one-week, in-person session in Abu Dhabi focused on market entry, investor introductions, and networking with ecosystem partners.
Selection Process and Timeline
The selection process involves a written screening of applications, which opened on July 15, 2026. Following the current closure of the application window, up to 20 startups are expected to be shortlisted, with an announcement slated for early November 2026. A live pitch event will take place in Bengaluru in late November 2026, and the UAE journey for selected participants is scheduled to begin in March 2027. Hub71 noted that the second edition features a more rigorous selection process than the inaugural edition, which drew over 10,000 applications from across India.
Additional Support and Application Details
Beyond direct financial support, selected founders will gain access to mentorship, regulatory guidance, and pathways for company establishment in Abu Dhabi, leveraging the startup ecosystem cooperation outlined in Article 13.2 of the UAE-India CEPA framework. Interested applicants are urged to finalize their submissions at startupseries.ae before the end of the day, ensuring they have prepared comprehensive documentation, including pitch decks, traction metrics, and detailed expansion plans.