New Jersey and Abu Dhabi to Support Technology Hub and Bolster Startup Ecosystem

Collaboration will support the soft-landing of startups in New Jersey and Abu Dhabi

TRENTON, N.J. (October 3, 2025) – As part of Governor Phil Murphy’s economic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this year, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, to promote each other’s programs that support innovative startups.

Under the MOU, the NJEDA and Hub71 will support eligible startups with local setup, regulatory engagement, and capital access, strengthening New Jersey and Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurial ecosystems and bolstering the creation of inventive startup companies and high-quality jobs. With deep experience in supporting the growth of international startups through its ecosystem, Hub71 will be a valuable partner in advancing New Jersey’s future innovation efforts.

“Throughout my administration, New Jersey has been focused on maintaining strong international economic relationships and developing new opportunities for the Garden State’s entrepreneurs,”said Governor Murphy. “This MOU will harness the power of international collaboration to strengthen the innovation economy of both Abu Dhabi and New Jersey, which will create good-paying jobs and bolster the Garden State’s economic competitiveness.”

The MOU was signed in parallel to the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF), which took place this week in New York. This marks another milestone in Hub71’s cross-border expansion strategy, complementing existing partnerships across Asia and Europe and advancing its mission to scale ventures globally from Abu Dhabi. Earlier this year, the NJEDA announced the creation of the New Jersey Business Acceleration and Softlanding Ecosystem (NJ BASE), which will serve as the state’s first ever facility to attract foreign companies in key industries, by offering a supportive co-working space to expand and grow their business in the United States.

“Abu Dhabi is shaping a new era of innovation; one that is globally connected and rooted in collaboration,” said H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman, Hub71. “By connecting ecosystems across borders, we are empowering ambitious founders to scale impactful ventures, reaffirming the importance of international collaboration in driving economic diversification, job creation, and inclusive, sustainable development.”

Governor Murphy toured Hub71 on April 30^th during his visit to the UAE. Hub71 provides startups with access to international markets, a robust capital ecosystem, progressive regulation, and a vibrant community of skilled talent, enabling founders to build, scale, and sustain technologies that deliver real-world impact. Since their inception in 2021, Hub71 has onboarded 290+ startups into their programs, which have recorded $2.4 billion in funding, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s standing as one of the fastest-growing emerging startup ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa.

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is cultivating important international partnerships around the globe, leading to greater investments into new industries and a more diverse economy,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJEDA has built a robust toolkit to support innovative startups in the state, and we’re excited to work with Hub71 to promote the exciting initiatives that Abu Dhabi and the Garden State have to offer.”  

“Technology continues to transcend borders, and innovation ecosystems must strengthen their ties to support the global ambitions of founders,” said Ahmad Ali Alwan, CEO of Hub71. “Our collaboration with Choose New Jersey is focused on unlocking soft-landing opportunities for startups looking to expand internationally, while deepening the exchange of knowledge, talent, and innovation. By opening our ecosystems to one another, we are creating pathways for ideas and ventures to achieve global scale.”

The NJEDA offers a range of products and initiatives to foster business growth, support research and development, and help entrepreneurs succeed. The Authority’s Strategic Innovation Center initiative is assisting in the creation of facilities around the state that support research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship through mentorship, networking opportunities, hands-on training, business support services, and education opportunities. Other initiatives, such as the Net-Operating Loss Program and the Angel Investor Tax Credit Program, unlock access to capital for innovative startup companies. For more information on the NJEDA’s programs, click here.  

 Hub71’s flagship Access program offers startups a comprehensive support package that includes up to AED 500,000 in in-kind and cash incentives, and the opportunity for top-performing startups to receive up to AED 1 million in follow-on support after completing one year at Hub71. Beyond capital, startups gain access to the Hub71 network and Abu Dhabi market, talent pool, and investor networks, positioning them to take advantage of commercial opportunities and scale quickly from the UAE capital. For more information on the Hub71’s programs, click here.  

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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