Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, has expanded its collaboration with Japan through a series of high-profile engagements in Tokyo, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a gateway for technology and international investment.
At WebX, Asia’s leading Web3 conference, Hub71 showcased Abu Dhabi startups developing solutions aligned with Japan’s innovation priorities, including artificial intelligence, spatial data intelligence, sustainable water technologies and blockchain governance. As title sponsor of the Blockchain Leaders Summit, Hub71 also delivered the opening keynote, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s partnership potential for Japan’s technology community.
The activities built on earlier initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in Tokyo and SusHiTech Tokyo, and were highlighted by the signing of a strategic partnership with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). The agreement aims to connect Japanese startups with Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem, offering access to capital, market opportunities and innovation programmes.
Startups such as bitgrit, xMap, Aqua Development, Chainsight, Nodeshift, Bit2Me and 1Money engaged with Japanese corporates, investors and founders during the events to explore opportunities across Asia and the Middle East.
Peter Abou Hachem, Head of Growth and Strategy at Hub71, said: “Our ongoing engagement with Japan underscores the value of global connectivity. Japan's leadership in technology and innovation, particularly in Web3, aligns closely with Hub71’s vision. Through sustained collaboration, with partners like JETRO, we are unlocking opportunities for startups from both ecosystems to access capital, markets and talent, while advancing new frontiers in Web3 innovation and strengthening economic ties between our nations.”
In the next phase of the partnership, Hub71 will host seven Japanese Web3 startups in Abu Dhabi through the J-StarX Programme, developed with JETRO and Elixir Capital, positioning both regions as complementary gateways for startups seeking expansion across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
Hub71 is Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem enabling founders to build globally enduring tech companies across sectors by providing access to international markets, capital, a global network of partners, and a skilled community.
Backed by the Government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Investment Company, it supports startups through entrepreneurial infrastructure, enabling services, incentives, and value-add programmes, fostering innovation that contributes to the nation’s long-term economic development.
