Gulfood, the world’s largest and most influential food and beverage sourcing event, has announced the launch of Gulfood Startups, a dedicated platform designed to support high-growth food-tech companies seeking to scale internationally from Dubai. The new initiative will debut at the event’s 31st edition, solidifying the city’s position as a global launchpad for the next generation of food innovation.
A Global Gateway for Innovation and Capital
Gulfood Startups is set to host over 250 global visionaries who will present breakthroughs across the entire food chain. The platform will showcase innovations in next-generation proteins, precision fermentation, Plant-Based 3.0, water-based frying technologies, predictive food intelligence powered by AI, and automated supply-chain systems. Industry disruptors such as ANT Systems Nanotechnology, Brad Technology, Choco, Onego Bio, Polysense, and ZEEN Tech AG are among those who will present technologies redefining the food landscape.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, commented, “Embedded within Gulfood’s unmatched ecosystem, Gulfood Startups offers founders something few markets can: direct access to global buyers, investors, distributors and policymakers in a single, connected environment. The World Agri-FoodTech Startup Challenge features the largest prize fund of its kind, underscoring Dubai World Trade Centre’s commitment to accelerating high-impact innovation and meaningful commercial growth across the Gulf.”
$135,000 World Agri-FoodTech Startup Challenge
A central feature of the new platform is The World Agri-FoodTech Startup Challenge, launched in strategic collaboration with DMCC and the India Middle East Agri-Alliance (IMEAA). The competition will see promising food-tech founders from around the world pitch live on the Gulfood NXT Stage, vying for a USD 135,000 prize. Startups will be judged on innovation, scalability, market relevance, and both environmental and economic impact.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said, “Through our partnership with Gulfood across Gulfood Startups and the World AgriFoodTech Startup Challenge, DMCC is connecting high potential startups from across the global food value chain with international markets, investors and commercial partners. This builds on DMCC’s established agrifood ecosystem and global connectivity, with a clear focus on helping credible solutions scale.”
Sudhakar Tomar, President of the India Middle East Agri Alliance, added, “The World Agri-FoodTech Challenge is establishing a reliable deal-flow engine for founders, venture funds and institutions seeking viable solutions. We urge the world’s best entrepreneurs to embrace Dubai as their launchpad and the Global South as their growth market.”
Dubai Cements its Position as a Global Food-Tech Hub
The United Arab Emirates has rapidly emerged as one of the most attractive global environments for food and beverage startups. The country’s F&B market is projected to reach USD 44 billion by 2029, driven by rapid population growth, strong consumer demand, and sustained government investment in food security and innovation. Through initiatives like Gulfood Startups and its supportive ecosystem of free zones and world-class logistics, the UAE continues to position itself as a natural bridge between East and West for food commercialisation.
The Gulfood Investor Programme will further enhance this ecosystem by connecting visionary capital with new breakthroughs. Investors including Americana, Nuwa Capital, PeakBridge, and Unovis will gain privileged access to high-impact startups and groundbreaking technologies.
About Gulfood
Gulfood 2026, taking place from 26–30 January, marks the 31st edition of the world’s largest F&B sourcing and innovation event. The event has expanded to operate across two mega venues, Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai, a global first. It brings together more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries to reinforce Dubai’s position as the global headquarters of food trade and intelligence.
Source: Zawya
