UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0
The UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 connects high-potential Indian startups with the UAE and international markets, offering up to ₹56.75L via SAFE note, mentorship, and market entry support.
- Funding amount
- ₹56.8L (competition)
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- UAE-India CEPA Council
- Application deadline
- 30 Aug 2026
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is a flagship program under the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) designed to drive cross-border innovation between the two nations. It targets high-potential Indian startups with clear market traction and a roadmap for UAE engagement, providing them with funding, mentorship, and market access. The program includes two tracks: the Hub71 Access Programme offers one startup up to AED 250,000 in cash via a SAFE note (approx. ₹56.75 lakh) plus in-kind incentives, while the Hub71 Immersion Programme hosts up to seven startups for a one-week virtual preparation and a one-week in-person curated session in Abu Dhabi. Participants also get investor introductions, regulatory support, and streamlined UAE incorporation pathways.
This initiative aims to deepen economic ties and collaborative tech development. By leveraging the ecosystems of both countries, it helps Indian startups navigate international business landscapes, understand regulatory frameworks, and connect with key stakeholders in the MENA region.
Highlights
- Up to AED 250,000 cash via SAFE note (approx. ₹56.75 lakh)
- Up to AED 250,000 in-kind incentives
- Tailored mentorship and investor introductions
- UAE market entry and regulatory support
- Final Pitch Event in Bengaluru
- Opportunity for Hub71 Access & Immersion
Who can apply
The program is open to high-potential Indian startups meeting the following criteria:
- Must be an Indian-registered entity.
- Must have a clear product or service offering with demonstrated market traction.
- Must have a clear roadmap for UAE engagement.
- Startups from both metro and non-metro regions are welcome.
- Priority sectors: FinTech, Advanced Manufacturing, Mobility & Logistics, AgriTech & Food Security, Space & Aerospace, HealthTech & MedTech, CleanTech & Sustainability, AI & DeepTech.
UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Applications for UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 are open and the current deadline is 30 Aug 2026. Deadlines can change — always reconfirm on the official source before submitting.
What the funding covers
- Track 1 — Hub71 Access Programme (1 startup): Up to AED 250,000 (≈₹56.75L) cash via SAFE note + up to AED 250,000 (≈₹56.75L) in-kind incentives. Includes mentorship, investor introductions, regulatory support, and access to Hub71's corporate & government partners.
- Track 2 — Hub71 Immersion Programme (up to 7 startups): One week virtual prep on UAE ecosystem + one week in-person curated sessions at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi focused on market entry and partner introductions.
- Beyond Hub71: Investor introductions, streamlined UAE incorporation pathways, and additional financial/in-kind support from network partners.
About the provider
UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is offered by UAE-India CEPA Council. It is delivered directly by UAE-India CEPA Council as a competition.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process is highly competitive and structured into two main stages:
- Stage 1: Written Application Screening (July-August 2026): All submitted applications undergo thorough screening based on a structured scoring rubric by independent evaluators. Factors assessed include the startup’s potential, market traction, product innovation, and clarity of its UAE engagement roadmap. Up to 20 startups are shortlisted.
- Stage 2: Final Pitch Event (end of November 2026): Shortlisted startups are invited to Bengaluru for a live pitch event. A panel of expert judges evaluates presentations, business models, and scalability. Winners and participants for Hub71 Access and Immersion Programmes are selected.
- Announcements: Shortlisted startups announced in early November 2026. Winners commence UAE journey in March 2027.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is best suited for startups in India seeking an equity investment of ₹56.8L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary goal of the UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0?
The program aims to promote, support, and connect high-potential Indian startups with meaningful opportunities in the UAE and international markets, fostering cross-border collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship under the UAE–India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
What kind of startups are eligible to apply?
The program is open to high-potential Indian-registered entities with a clear product or service offering, demonstrated market traction, and a clear roadmap for engagement within the UAE market. Startups from both metro and non-metro regions are welcome.
What are the priority sectors for applications?
Priority sectors include FinTech, Advanced Manufacturing, Mobility & Logistics, AgriTech & Food Security, Space & Aerospace, HealthTech & MedTech, CleanTech & Sustainability, and AI & DeepTech.
What is the financial support offered?
One startup will receive up to AED 250,000 (approximately ₹56.75 lakh) in cash via a SAFE note as part of the Hub71 Access Programme. This is in addition to up to AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives.
What does the Hub71 Access Programme include?
Beyond cash, the Hub71 Access Programme provides tailored mentorship, investor introductions, regulatory support, and access to Hub71's corporate and government partners. Three startups are shortlisted for this program, with one eventually onboarded.
Is there an in-person component to the program?
Yes, shortlisted startups will participate in a Final Pitch Event in Bengaluru. Additionally, the Hub71 Immersion Programme includes a week of in-person curated sessions at Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, focused on market entry strategies.
What is the application deadline?
Applications open on 15 July 2026 and close on 30 August 2026.
Does the program take equity in the startup?
Yes, the funding is provided via a SAFE note, which is an equity-like instrument. The program is classified as equity funding.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the official portal at https://apply.startupseries.ae/. You must outline your startup's product, market traction, and UAE engagement roadmap.
What documents are typically required?
The application requires details about your product or service, market traction, and a clear roadmap for UAE engagement. No specific document list is provided, but a detailed online application is needed.
How much funding does UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 provide?
UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 provides ₹56.8L (up to) as competition. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Is DPIIT recognition required for UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0?
UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is offered by UAE-India CEPA Council. It is provided as an investment.
Alternatives to UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0
Not sure UAE-India Start-up Series 2.0 is the right fit, or already applied? These are other equity open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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