Lead the Change: Announcing Cohort 05 of the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program

The program, powered by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), offers mentorship, localization and funding support to 20 selected startups to promote innovation in early childhood development.

ABU DHABI: The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) announces the 20 selected startups for Cohort 05 of the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program in partnership with Techstars. This groundbreaking initiative is tailored for startups focused on early childhood development, centering on families and children aged 0-8. With a keen eye on addressing critical issues, the program aligns with ECA’s pillars of health and nutrition, early care and education, child protection and family support.

The Anjal Z program will run from August to November 2024. For the first six weeks, it is offered virtually to the Ignite and Launch Track founders. The final four weeks for Launch Track startups include an all-expenses-paid, in-person program in Abu Dhabi in October.

This year, the program will culminate at the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, where the startups can network and explore potential collaborations with local ecosystem players. The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, a WED Movement initiative led by the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), will galvanize the emirate and the wider world’s focus on early childhood development through a program of groundbreaking research, innovative solutions and advocacy. This opportunity is tailored for the founders to help them expand and refine their market strategies within Abu Dhabi and the Middle East.

Two Distinct Startup Tracks:

• Ignite Track: Ideal for early-stage founders, this track offers virtual masterclasses, mentorship and pitch feedback for startups with monthly recurring revenue (MRR) under USD 20,000, less than USD 250,000 in funding and a team size under five.
• Launch Track: Geared towards more established founders with an MRR over USD 20,000, this track includes a comprehensive four-week program in Abu Dhabi. Participants will receive masterclasses and mentorship and engage in a localization project that doubles as a go-to-market strategy. Additionally, startups will benefit from non-equity funding of up to USD 220,000 to aid their expansion efforts.

Startups focus on the four pillars of the ECA – health and nutrition, early care and education, child protection, and family support. Additionally, this year, the startups chosen also work on the themes of the WED Movement – intentional parenting, culture and identity and sustainable and family-friendly cities.

The program has the tools, resources and backing needed to thrive, whether a startup is launching or ready to scale. Since the launch of Anjal Z in 2020, the program has completed four cohorts, supported over 45 early and growth-stage startups and helped establish many Launch Track startups in Abu Dhabi.

Now in its fifth cohort, the Anjal Z program offers a unique accelerator experience for early childhood development entrepreneurs. The program provides equity-free funding, mentorship, and an extensive network of local partners to help participants grow their businesses and localize their solutions to positively impact children and families. Participants can expect high-caliber Techstars Masterclasses and personalized mentorship, fostering substantial growth and market readiness for their ECD ventures.

The selected Launch Track startups are:

• Cubtale
• Raising Superstars
• Nao Now
• Cali’s Books
• Jade Autism
• Neolook Solutions

The startups selected for Ignite Track are:

• Hibi
• Vrudhi Tech
• Betweened
• TopSchool.ai
• Gheorg
• Start Up Early
• Hoopooh
• MommyKidz
• Parentsmile Srl
• Kidolog
• Mamahood
• Autsera
• VitalPlay
• Kredit Academy

Commenting on the latest cohort of the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program, Dr Yousef Alhammadi, Executive Director of Knowledge and Impact of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), said: 

“As we announce the startups selected for our fifth cohort of the Anjal Z program, this year holds special significance. The alignment with Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week, a WED Movement initiative powered by the ECA, provides an unparalleled opportunity for these startups to immerse themselves in a thriving local ecosystem. Our focus extends beyond traditional support — providing cutting-edge mentorship, tailored localization and access to a growing network dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship and innovation. This cohort will contribute to innovation and gain vital insights into addressing our region’s unique challenges. We are excited to see these startups play a pivotal role in shaping the future of early childhood development in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

Techstars Senior Program Manager Zoe Evans, added:

“As we welcome Cohort 05 into the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program, I am filled with enthusiasm for the journey ahead. This cohort represents a diverse group of innovators dedicated to transforming early childhood development through creative solutions and impactful technologies. Our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority has always been about fostering a collaborative environment where startups can thrive, learn and grow. By providing personalized mentorship, resources and unique networking opportunities, we aim to empower these entrepreneurs to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families. I look forward to seeing how each founder leverages this unique program to create meaningful impact for children and families, both locally and globally.”