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Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has opened applications for NEXUS Programme, an AI-focused incubation programme based at MZN Hub Abu Dhabi, designed to empower Emirati founders to validate their ideas, develop their products, and build investment-ready startups through an integrated programme combining entrepreneurship skills development, practical AI implementation, specialised mentoring, and access to corporates, government entities, and investors.
The launch of NEXUS forms part of Khalifa Fund’s ongoing efforts to advance Abu Dhabi’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and empower Emirati entrepreneurs to leverage advanced technologies to develop their ventures and strengthen their ability to grow and compete. The programme positions AI as a practical business enabler that can help founders improve efficiency, accelerate product development, and support more informed decision-making, helping build a new generation of Emirati startups that address market needs and contribute to economic diversification in Abu Dhabi.
H.E. Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, said: “NEXUS reflects our continued commitment to empowering Emirati entrepreneurs and equipping them with the tools and expertise they need to transform their ideas into scalable and competitive ventures. By combining entrepreneurship with practical AI applications, the programme helps shape a new generation of Emirati startups capable of transforming innovation into promising economic opportunities, delivering solutions that address future needs, and contributing to sustainable economic diversification in Abu Dhabi. The programme also provides founders with an integrated incubation experience that combines hands-on AI training, specialised mentorship, development pathways tailored to the needs of each venture, and opportunities to engage with government entities and investors, enhancing founders’ ability to develop their ventures and strengthen their investment readiness.”
NEXUS will select 30 startups to participate in an incubation programme at MZN Hub Abu Dhabi, combining specialised entrepreneurship and AI workshops, practical implementation sessions, weekly Objectives and Key Results (OKR) reviews, one-to-one office hours, and access to specialised mentoring and practical expertise. Participants will also have opportunities to engage with corporates, government entities and investors based on the stage and readiness of each venture. Participation is completely free, with no fees or equity taken by Khalifa Fund, while founders retain full ownership of their companies and intellectual property rights.
The programme features an integrated approach to AI adoption. Participants follow the “Building With AI” track, focused on using AI tools to streamline operations, accelerate execution and improve efficiency, while startups developing AI-based products benefit from a deeper second track, “Building AI,” focused on developing more differentiated, market-ready products. The programme also includes a specialised AI curriculum through which eligible participants can earn the AI Venture Practitioner Certificate, demonstrating their practical proficiency in applying AI tools and techniques to startup development.
NEXUS provides one programme with two tailored tracks, designed around founders’ needs and the stage of development of their startups. Each participating startup receives two tailored roadmaps: the first at the start of the programme to establish priorities, objectives and the execution pathway, and the second at the programme’s conclusion to translate progress into a clear action plan for the following six months. The programme also facilitates engagement with corporates, government entities and investors, enabling founders to explore opportunities for collaboration, partnerships and investment based on the readiness of their ventures.
Up to five startups will also be selected to participate in the Silicon Valley Summit in California, United States, providing opportunities to connect with leading AI companies, researchers and international investors, based on startup readiness and in accordance with the approved selection criteria.
The programme focuses on startups addressing real-world challenges or market gaps across priority areas including AI and advanced technologies, HealthTech and wellness, AgriTech and food security, FinTech and smart services, climate and sustainability, and creative and cultural technology.
The programme follows a structured journey beginning with applications, followed by screening and evaluation, founder interviews and the selection of 30 startups. This is followed by onboarding and the core incubation period, culminating in Demo Week and Demo Day, where participating startups present before investors, corporates, government entities and entrepreneurship ecosystem leaders. The programme is followed by four weeks of remote support and follow-up, including the development of a second roadmap, the identification of key milestones for the following six months, founder office hours, pitch and partnership support, as well as continued follow-up on marketing and commercialisation efforts.
The programme is open to founders aged 18 and above who reside in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Startups must be majority Emirati-owned, with Emirati ownership of 51% or more, and must have either a clear and defined idea, a working prototype or a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), as well as a scalable business model. NEXUS also welcomes first-time founders. Applications are evaluated according to criteria including team strength and commitment, market opportunity, product readiness, strategic fit, business model and innovation potential.
Khalifa Fund called on eligible Emirati founders and startup owners to seize the opportunity and complete their applications before the 20 September 2026 deadline, and to leverage NEXUS to develop their ideas and products, strengthen their ability to apply AI, and build ventures that are better positioned for growth and investment.