UAE's Future 100 initiative secures $100 million for 53 startups

The UAE's Future 100 initiative has attracted $100 million in investments through its partners, benefiting more than 53 startups. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism and Co-Chair of Investopia's Board of Trustees, disclosed the figure at Investopia Bridge 2026 in Abu Dhabi on 9 October 2026. The event also marked the recognition of the initiative's third cohort of 100 companies. Applications for the next edition will open in October.

Future 100 initiative signs three partnership agreements#

Three memoranda of understanding were signed at Investopia Bridge 2026. The first, with Nawa Capital Limited, covers business development, growth opportunities, partnerships and the assessment of applicant companies. Global Ventures signed the second agreement, committing at least $1 million for investment in one or more Future 100 participants. Carta signed the third, under which it will provide valuation, compliance and equity management services to improve investment readiness among startups. Carta will also deliver training and mentoring programmes and offer a 25 per cent discount on its annual platform subscription for the first year.

Initiative receives 3,395 applications across three cycles#

The Future 100 initiative has received 3,395 applications and nominations since launch, with 1,282 submitted during the third cycle. Three editions have selected a total of 300 companies, spanning 17 new economy sectors. The initiative now works with 42 partners, a group that includes government entities, venture capital funds, financial institutions, technology companies and business accelerators. Partners include the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, Emirates NBD, the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund, Microsoft, Careem, EY, Investopia and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

Sectors covered include space and biotechnology#

Companies operating in emerging industries are supported by the initiative. Covered sectors include space technology, biotechnology, renewable energy, healthcare technology, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, financial technology and smart mobility. Agricultural technology, education technology, food technology, legal technology and property technology are also included. The Ministry of Economy and Tourism and the Government Development and the Future Office jointly launched the initiative. It forms part of the We the UAE 2031 vision, which aims to position the country as a global hub for the new economy.