Four innovative startups have been named winners of the third UAE FoodTech Challenge, a global competition fostering solutions for arid climates. The companies, focused on climate-smart agriculture and waste reduction, will share a $2 million prize to scale their technologies. This initiative aims to bolster food security by advancing groundbreaking innovations for challenging environments.
A Vision for Resilient Food Systems
Organized by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, the challenge supports technology-driven solutions for complex food systems. Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen, stated that building resilient food systems is central to the UAE's long-term vision. Past winners have already raised over $48 million in follow-on funding, demonstrating the program's success.
Fatema Almulla of the Presidential Court noted the UAE's leading role in international development and agricultural innovation. The challenge embeds winners in an ecosystem where technology and policy converge to accelerate growth from pilot to scale. This framework translates promising ideas into measurable impact for climate-vulnerable regions worldwide.
Innovations in Climate-Smart Production
Two winners, Permia Sensing and HyveGeo, were recognized for their contributions to climate-smart food production. Permia Sensing uses artificial intelligence, bioacoustic sensors, and drones to monitor tree health, enabling early detection of stress and pests. The technology is already deployed across 15,000 hectares of palm farms in Sri Lanka.
HyveGeo tackles soil regeneration by converting agricultural waste into microbe-enriched biochar that improves soil health. Already in use across the UAE, this solution helps transform desert soil into fertile land for cultivation. The company now plans to scale its research and pilot programs across the Global South.
Pioneering Waste Reduction Solutions
In the food loss and waste reduction category, Akorn Technology and Flybox were awarded for their pioneering approaches. Akorn Technology has developed a natural, edible coating that extends the shelf life of fresh produce. This innovation is already reducing post-harvest losses in markets like Egypt and Ghana.
Flybox employs black soldier fly larvae to efficiently transform agricultural waste into high-value protein and fertilizer. Its container-based, off-grid system reduces landfill waste and is active in Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria. The company is now set to launch in the UAE through local waste management partnerships.
A Launchpad for Global Impact
Beyond the $2 million prize, winners gain access to comprehensive support, including pilot opportunities, research facilities, and mentorship. Shelly Sundberg of the Gates Foundation praised the initiative for advancing practical solutions for vulnerable populations. This support system is designed to provide a robust launchpad for scaling their innovations.
The latest winners of the UAE FoodTech Challenge represent a significant step forward in the quest for global food security. With substantial funding and strategic support, these startups are positioned to scale their technologies from the UAE to the wider world. Their success will be crucial in building more resilient and sustainable food systems for all.