UNICEF Venture Fund
The UNICEF Venture Fund provides up to US$100,000 in equity-free funding to early-stage startups developing open-source frontier technologies that can improve the lives of children. Beyond funding, selected companies receive 12 months of mentorship from UNICEF specialists and access to a global innovation ecosystem. Unlike a traditional accelerator, the Venture Fund is mission-driven and supports technologies with measurable social impact. Eligible startups must be registered in a UNICEF Programme Country, have a working prototype, and be willing to open-source the funded solution.
Good fit: Startups building AI, blockchain, data or other frontier technologies with clear social impact.
Hub71+AI
- Building an AI startup with a core AI product or solution. - Open to pre-seed through Series A startups. - At least one founder must commit to relocating long-term to Abu Dhabi and building a team there. - Applicants must submit a pitch deck covering the business, traction, founders and plans for Abu Dhabi. - Selected startups receive AED 250,000 in cash via a SAFE and AED 250,000 in in-kind incentives.
Good fit: AI startups from pre-seed to Series A seeking capital and market entry into the UAE.
Llama Beta Fellowship
The Beta Fellowship is an 8-week in-person fellowship from Beta Fund for founders building agent-native AI startups. The program supports founders who are often at the earliest stages—even before there is a company, revenue or finished idea. Fellows receive mentorship from founders, engineers and investors, work alongside a small cohort, and build within the Beta Fund ecosystem. The fellowship also serves as a pathway to Beta Fund investment, with the fund writing US$200K first checks and investing up to US$2M across pre-seed and seed stages
Good fit: Idea-stage founders exploring agent-native AI startup ideas.