The UAE-India CEPA Council announced on 14 July 2026 that applications for the second edition of the UAE-India Start-Up Series — Start-Up Series 2.0 — open on 15 July 2026. The programme runs a multi-stage selection process culminating in a finals event in November 2026, where shortlisted founders will be showcased before investors, corporates, regulators and ecosystem partners.
The Council describes the series as delivered under the patronage of the UAE-India CEPA Council — the body set up to convert the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and the UAE into commercial and innovation outcomes. The first edition drew more than 10,000 applications from Indian founders; the 2.0 edition adds a more rigorous selection process and a stated "clearer route for founders to establish a base in Abu Dhabi."
Central to the structure is a cross-border partnership with Hub71, Abu Dhabi's tech ecosystem operator. Under it, three start-ups will be shortlisted into Hub71's Access Programme, with one of those onboarded to receive mentorship, investor introductions, regulatory support, and access to Hub71's corporate and government partners — plus AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives and AED 250,000 in cash via a SAFE note.
Up to seven founders can also join the Hub71 Immersion Programme: a week of virtual preparation on the UAE ecosystem followed by a week of in-person sessions at Hub71 focused on market entry and partner introductions.
Who it affects
For India-Gulf corridor companies, this is a formal, funded on-ramp into Abu Dhabi rather than a generic accelerator listing. The programme targets Indian start-ups in sectors aligned with UAE innovation priorities — named explicitly as HealthTech, FinTech, ClimateTech, Advanced Manufacturing, and other emerging technologies — that are actively seeking to scale into regional or global markets through Abu Dhabi.
Foreign investors and corporates with India-UAE exposure should note that the Council states a "range of major UAE partners will be announced over the coming weeks," which will shape the commercial infrastructure behind the series and the wider corridor.
The cash-and-in-kind structure via a SAFE note is also relevant to any investor tracking capital entering Indian start-ups through UAE-based instruments — the source does not specify SAFE note terms beyond the AED 250,000 figure.
What to do
Founders in the named sectors intending to apply should treat 15 July 2026 as the operative start date and prepare materials ahead of the multi-stage process, given the first edition's application volume (10,000+) signals high competition for the limited Hub71 Access Programme and Immersion Programme slots (three shortlisted / one onboarded; up to seven for Immersion).
Corridor investors and corporates should watch for the Council's forthcoming partner announcements before assuming which UAE institutions will be involved in deal flow or due diligence around this cohort. Neither the application portal link nor detailed eligibility criteria (funding stage, company age, revenue thresholds) are specified in the release.
