Khalifa Fund opens NEXUS applications for Emirati founders until 20 September
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has launched applications for NEXUS, an AI-focused incubation programme at MZN Hub Abu Dhabi, selecting 30 Emirati startups for a free, equity-free intake.
Programme overview
Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has opened applications to its NEXUS Programme, an AI-centred incubation initiative based at MZN Hub Abu Dhabi. The scheme aims to help Emirati founders validate concepts, develop products and ready their ventures for investment, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and the adoption of advanced technologies.
NEXUS will admit 30 startups into an incubation cycle that blends entrepreneurship training with hands-on AI implementation. Core components include entrepreneurship and AI workshops, practical implementation sessions, weekly Objectives and Key Results (OKR) reviews, one-to-one office hours and specialised mentoring. Participation is free: the Khalifa Fund will levy no fees or equity, and founders retain full ownership and intellectual property rights.
The programme is structured around two AI tracks. “Building With AI” is aimed at founders using AI tools to optimise operations, accelerate execution and improve efficiency within existing business models. “Building AI” is tailored for teams developing AI-based products. Eligible participants may also earn the AI Venture Practitioner Certificate on completion of prescribed requirements.
Each selected startup will receive two personalised roadmaps: an initial plan to set priorities and objectives, and a concluding six‑month action plan to guide post‑programme development. The intake will culminate in Demo Week and Demo Day, where founders will pitch to investors, corporates, government entities and leaders from the entrepreneurship ecosystem, followed by four weeks of remote support.
Opportunities, eligibility and next steps
Alongside local development, up to five of the cohort may be chosen to attend a Silicon Valley Summit in California, subject to readiness and selection criteria. The programme targets startups addressing market needs across AI and advanced technologies, HealthTech and wellness, AgriTech and food security, FinTech and smart services, climate and sustainability, and creative and cultural technology.
Eligibility requirements stipulate applicants be Emirati founders aged 18 or over residing in Abu Dhabi. Startups must be at least 51 percent Emirati-owned and have a clearly defined idea, a working prototype or a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), plus a scalable business model. First‑time founders may apply.
Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, described NEXUS as part of the Fund’s long‑term effort to equip Emirati entrepreneurs with the tools and expertise to transform ideas into scalable businesses that contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification.
Eligible founders and startup owners are invited to submit applications before the 20 September 2026 deadline.
Source: WAM