Dubai – Sharikat Mubasher: Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) announced the opening of applications for the NEXUS Program, an AI-focused incubation initiative aimed at supporting Emirati founders in developing scalable, investment-ready startups.

Based at MZN Hub Abu Dhabi, the program will select 30 startups and provide entrepreneurship and AI workshops, practical implementation sessions, weekly reviews, one-to-one mentoring, and access to corporates, government entities, and investors. Participation is free, with no fees or equity taken by Khalifa Fund, according to a recent press release.

The program offers two tracks: “Building With AI,” which focuses on using AI to improve business operations and efficiency, and “Building AI,” designed for startups developing AI-based products. Eligible participants can also earn the AI Venture Practitioner Certificate.

NEXUS targets startups addressing market gaps across areas including AI and advanced technologies, HealthTech, AgriTech, FinTech, climate and sustainability, and creative technology.

Up to five startups may also participate in a Silicon Valley Summit in California, subject to selection criteria and startup readiness.

The program is open to founders aged 18 and above residing in Abu Dhabi, with startups required to be at least 51% Emirati-owned.