UAE-India CEPA Council opens applications for Start-Up Series 2.0
New Delhi, July 14
The UAE-India CEPA Council on Tuesday announced that applications for the second edition of the UAE-India Start-Up Series will open on 15 July 2026, marking the next phase of what has become India's largest bilateral start-up initiative. Following a record inaugural edition, which drew more than 10,000 applications from founders across India, Start-Up Series 2.0 will identify and support high-potential Indian start-ups seeking to scale into regional and global markets through Abu Dhabi, an official release by the UAE-India CEPA Council.
The programme is delivered under the patronage of the UAE-India CEPA Council, the body established to translate the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries into tangible commercial and innovation outcomes. Building on the momentum of its first edition, the 2.0 series will feature a more rigorous selection process, deeper engagement with the UAE's and India's investment and corporate community, and a clearer route for founders to establish a base in Abu Dhabi, the statement mentioned.
It further noted that the applications will open on 15 July and run through a multi-stage selection process, culminating in a finals event to be held in November, where the strongest founders will be showcased before investors, corporates, regulators, and ecosystem partners.
"Start-Up Series 2.0 is underpinned by the Council's cross-border partnership with Hub71, Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem, which provides selected founders with access to the emirate's capital, customers, regulators, and partner network. Under the partnership, three start-ups will be shortlisted into Hub71's Access Programme, with one onboarded to the programme with access to tailored mentorship, investor introductions, regulatory support, and Hub71's corporate and government partners, alongside AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives and AED 250,000 in cash via a SAFE note. Up to seven founders will also have the opportunity join the Hub71 Immersion Programme, which pairs a week of virtual preparation on the Abu Dhabi and UAE ecosystem with a week of in-person, curated sessions at Hub71 focused on market entry and introductions across its partner network," it further highlighted.
The Council confirmed that a range of major UAE partners will be announced over the coming weeks, further strengthening the commercial infrastructure behind the series and the broader broader India-UAE start-up and innovation corridor. The series will focus on sectors aligned with the UAE' innovation priorities, including HealthTech, FinTech, ClimateTech, Advanced Manufacturing, and other emerging technologies.
The UAE-India CEPA Council is the body established to advance commercial, investment, and innovation cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and India under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
The release underlined how through initiatives such as the UAE-India Start-Up Series, the Council connects high-potential Indian founders with Abu Dhabi's capital, customers, regulators, and ecosystem, building a durable cross-border corridor for scale.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but I wish the selection process was more transparent. Last time many deserving startups from smaller cities didn't even get shortlisted because they lacked the right network. That said, the immersion programme sounds promising for those aiming for UAE market entry. Let's see how inclusive 2.0 is.
Impressive scale for a bilateral startup initiative. India's talent pool combined with UAE's capital and market access is a powerful combination. The focus on ClimateTech and Advanced Manufacturing aligns well with both countries' priorities. Would love to see some concrete success stories from edition 1 to inspire applicants.
Nice step forward! The CEPA council actually doing ground-level work beyond just trade agreements. For Indian startups struggling with validation and funding, this is a solid platform. Only concern: 3 shortlisted into Hub71 Access Programme seems too few for the potential we have. Should've been 10-15 at least. But still, worth applying. 🚀
Very encouraging to see the government facilitating such cross-border innovation corridors. The fintech and healthtech sectors in India have matured so much, and UAE's regulatory sandbox is perfect for testing new ideas. Hope this helps bridge the gap between Indian R&D and global markets. Its a win-win for both sides.
Important to note that this isn't just about funding - the regulatory support and partner introductions are equally valuable for Indian founders who often struggle with compliances abroad. The immersion programme's combination of virtual prep + in-person sessions is a well-thought-out model. Good luck to
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