This initiative was tailored for startups focused on early childhood development, centring on families and children aged 0-8. With a keen eye on addressing critical issues, the programme aligned with ECA's pillars of health and nutrition, early care and education, child protection, and family support.

For the upcoming Cohort 05, startups were invited to innovate within three additional thematic areas:

• Intentional Parenting: This theme was dedicated to empowering parents on their journey to nurture young children, supporting holistic development from birth through age eight. It emphasised fostering positive parenting and caregiving behaviours prioritising children's well-being in digital and physical environments.
• Culture and Identity: Focusing on the rich UAE heritage, this theme encouraged children to appreciate and celebrate their cultural identity. It aimed to strengthen social ties and enhance a sense of belonging, promoting Emirati values and identity globally.
• Sustainable and Family-Friendly Cities: This approach endeavoured to reshape urban planning with a child-centred approach, supporting healthy development and social unity by integrating nature, technology, and sustainability into city living.

The Anjal Z programme ran from August to November 2024. For the first six weeks, it was offered virtually to the Ignite and Launch Track founders.

The final four weeks of the programme featured the all-expenses-paid, in-person programme in Abu Dhabi in October. This opportunity was tailored for the established founders selected for the Launch Track to help them expand and refine their market strategies within Abu Dhabi and the broader Middle East.

Two Distinct Startup Tracks:

• Ignite Track: Ideal for early-stage founders, this track offered virtual masterclasses, mentorship, and pitch feedback for startups with monthly recurring revenue (MRR) under $20,000, less than $250,000 in funding, and a team size under five.
• Launch Track: Geared towards more established founders with an MRR over $20,000, this track included a comprehensive four-week programme in Abu Dhabi. Participants received masterclasses and mentorship and engaged in a localisation project that doubled as a go-to-market strategy. Additionally, startups benefitted from non-equity funding of up to $270,000 to aid their expansion efforts.

Now in its fifth cohort, the Anjal Z programme offered non-equity funding and an extensive network of local partners, making it a unique accelerator in early childhood development. Participants could expect high-calibre Techstars Masterclasses and Mentorship, fostering substantial growth and market readiness.

Startups focusing on the four pillars of the ECA, health and nutrition, early care and education, child protection, and family support, and the three themed spaces were invited to apply and seize this chance for growth and influence. The programme provided the tools, resources, and backing needed to thrive, whether a startup was launching or ready to scale. The Anjal Z Founder Catalyst Programme enabled founders to immerse in an environment where innovation met tradition, and startups could achieve global impact.

Discussing the next wave of ECD-focused startups in Abu Dhabi Dr. Yousef Alhammadi, Executive Director of Knowledge and Impact of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, said, “As we embark on our fifth cohort, the launch of the Anjal Z program application underscores Abu Dhabi's thriving startup ecosystem. With a focus on early childhood development, our program offers selected startups a unique blend of mentorship, financing, and access to collaborative opportunities. Beyond traditional support, our cohort members will benefit from tailored localization assistance and in-depth market insights, ensuring their success in tackling critical challenges. We eagerly anticipate welcoming innovative startups to join us in shaping the future of early childhood development.”

Commenting on the latest cohort of the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program, Techstars Senior Program Manager Zoe Evans said, "This week marks a pivotal moment for global innovation as we proudly open applications for Cohort 05 of the Anjal Z Techstars Founder Catalyst Program. With a focus on Positive Parenting, Culture & Identity, and Sustainable & Family-Friendly Cities, this cohort promises transformative opportunities for participants. Tailored tracks for both early-stage and established startups, coupled with immersive experiences for those chosen startups in Abu Dhabi and access to significant funding, underscore our esteemed partner's dedication to driving change in early childhood development. We invite visionary entrepreneurs to join us on this journey, shaping a brighter future for Abu Dhabi's children, families, and communities.”