Emirati entrepreneurs with an idea, prototype or early-stage startup could get the opportunity to develop their business with artificial intelligence at the centre of the process under a new programme launched by Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.
Called NEXUS, the AI-focused incubation programme will select 30 startups and help founders develop their products, apply AI to their businesses and prepare their ventures for growth and investment.
Based at MZN Hub Abu Dhabi, the programme is designed for founders at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey, including first-time entrepreneurs. Applications are open until September 20, 2026.
The programme comes as AI increasingly moves from being a specialist technology to a practical tool for businesses of all sizes. NEXUS will focus on helping founders use AI to improve efficiency, speed up product development and make better business decisions.
Participating startups will follow one of two pathways. Building With AI is aimed at founders who want to use AI tools to streamline their existing operations and accelerate execution. Building AI, meanwhile, is designed for startups developing AI-based products and will focus on creating more differentiated, market-ready solutions.
The selected founders will take part in entrepreneurship and AI workshops, practical implementation sessions, mentoring and one-to-one support. Each startup will also receive a tailored roadmap at the beginning of the programme, followed by a second six-month action plan at its conclusion.
Eligible participants may also earn an AI Venture Practitioner Certificate, recognising practical proficiency in applying AI tools and techniques to startup development.
One of the programme’s biggest attractions is that it will be offered free of charge. Khalifa Fund will not take equity in participating companies, with founders retaining full ownership of their businesses and intellectual property.
The programme will culminate in Demo Week and Demo Day, where participating startups will present their ventures to investors, corporates, government entities and leaders from the UAE’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Up to five startups could also be selected for the Silicon Valley Summit in California, offering founders the opportunity to connect with AI companies, researchers and international investors.
NEXUS is looking for startups working on real-world challenges across sectors including AI and advanced technology, HealthTech and wellness, AgriTech and food security, FinTech and smart services, climate and sustainability, and creative and cultural technology.
The programme is open to founders aged 18 and above who live in Abu Dhabi. Startups must be at least 51 per cent Emirati-owned and have a clear idea, working prototype or minimum viable product, along with the potential to scale.
H.E. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said the programme was designed to give Emirati entrepreneurs the practical tools and expertise needed to turn ideas into scalable businesses.
For founders looking to build the next generation of UAE startups, NEXUS offers something increasingly difficult to ignore: the opportunity to experiment with AI, develop a business and prepare for investment without giving away a stake in the company.
Applications close September 20, 2026.
