In a significant move to strengthen international tech collaboration, Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s premier global technology ecosystem, has announced its first partnership in the United States through a memorandum of understanding with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). The landmark agreement, signed during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in New York, establishes a comprehensive framework to facilitate cross-border expansion for high-growth startups between the Middle East and North America, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-UAE economic cooperation.
The strategic partnership creates a structured pathway for startups from both ecosystems to access international markets, investors, and corporate networks through joint programming, market visits, and facilitated introductions to key stakeholders. This collaboration is particularly focused on high-impact sectors, including artificial intelligence, clean energy, fintech, and healthtech, aligning with both Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals and New Jersey’s innovation priorities. The agreement represents a deepening of technological ties between the two regions, underscoring the growing importance of international ecosystem connectivity in the global startup landscape.
Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating: “In today’s interconnected world, technology innovation knows no borders, and successful ecosystems must actively build bridges to support the global ambitions of visionary founders. Our collaboration with New Jersey is fundamentally designed to create soft-landing opportunities for startups seeking international expansion while fostering a meaningful exchange of knowledge, talent, and cutting-edge innovation. By mutually opening our ecosystems, we are constructing vital pathways for promising ventures to achieve meaningful global scale and impact.”
The partnership builds upon growing economic ties between the UAE and New Jersey, reinforced by Governor Phil Murphy’s economic mission to the UAE in April 2025, which included a visit to Hub71’s headquarters at Abu Dhabi Global Market. During this visit, Governor Murphy witnessed firsthand Abu Dhabi’s strategic position as a gateway for American startups expanding into the MENA region and broader international markets. The collaboration signals New Jersey’s commitment to positioning itself as a key innovation hub on the global stage while providing its startups with privileged access to one of the Middle East’s most dynamic technology ecosystems.
NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan highlighted the strategic significance of the agreement, noting: “Under Governor Murphy’s forward-looking leadership, New Jersey is actively cultivating strategic international partnerships that drive investment into emerging industries and create a more diverse, future-proof economy. The NJEDA has developed a comprehensive toolkit to support innovative startups, and we’re excited to collaborate with Hub71 to promote the exceptional opportunities available in both Abu Dhabi and the Garden State. This partnership represents exactly the type of global engagement that will fuel New Jersey’s innovation economy for years to come.”
The New Jersey partnership represents a strategic milestone in Hub71’s ongoing cross-border expansion strategy, complementing existing alliances across Asia and Europe. This growing international network includes recent strategic collaborations with organizations such as the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), aimed at advancing technological exchange between the UAE and Japan. Together, these partnerships demonstrate Hub71’s systematic approach to building a globally connected innovation ecosystem that facilitates the seamless exchange of technology, talent, and investment across key international markets.
For startups in both ecosystems, the partnership translates into tangible benefits, including access to new customer bases, capital opportunities, regulatory guidance, and specialized market expertise. Hub71 portfolio companies will gain streamlined access to New Jersey’s robust innovation infrastructure, including its prestigious research universities, corporate innovation centers, and venture capital networks. Similarly, New Jersey-based startups will benefit from Hub71’s comprehensive support system, which includes its incentive programs, investor network, and market entry services specifically designed for international expansion into the MENA region and beyond.
As Abu Dhabi continues to enhance its reputation as a global hub for technology and innovation, this partnership further solidifies Hub71’s central role in enabling startup growth through strategic international collaboration. The agreement represents a significant step in Hub71’s mission to position Abu Dhabi as the preferred launchpad for technology companies seeking global reach, while simultaneously contributing to the UAE’s broader economic diversification objectives under the Principles of the 50 and the country’s forward-looking vision for a knowledge-based economy.
The timing of this partnership coincides with increased global interest in Abu Dhabi’s technology landscape, driven by the emirate’s progressive regulatory environment, substantial investment in digital infrastructure, and commitment to fostering innovation across both traditional and emerging sectors. For international startups, Hub71 serves as an ideal gateway to understanding and accessing the unique opportunities presented by the UAE market and the wider region, providing the necessary support structure to navigate cultural, regulatory, and business landscape differences.
With this partnership, both Hub71 and NJEDA have demonstrated their commitment to building bridges between innovation ecosystems, rather than barriers. Recognizing that in an increasingly interconnected global economy, collaboration across borders is essential for driving technological advancement, economic growth, and sustainable development. The agreement sets the stage for increased technological exchange between the Middle East and the United States, potentially serving as a model for future collaborations between innovation ecosystems worldwide.
