Khalifa University of Science and Technology is showcasing four new agricultural technology solutions at the Second Emirates Agricultural Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. Developed in partnership with industrial partner SILAL, these innovations are aimed at solving key challenges in food production and strengthening the UAE’s food security agenda.
Quick Facts
- Four new AI-driven innovations presented
- Developed in partnership with SILAL
- Aimed at UAE’s national food security
- Technologies range from pollination to harvest
A Strategic Push for Homegrown AgriTech
The showcase at the conference, which runs from April 22-26, 2026, highlights a dedicated effort to develop local solutions for regional agricultural challenges. The event gathers farmers, investors, and government bodies to foster collaboration and advance sustainable farming practices in the country.
His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, stated, “Agriculture is central to the UAE’s food security agenda, and Khalifa University is committed to ensuring that our research contributes directly to this national priority. The innovations we are bringing to this conference were developed in the UAE, are designed for the conditions of this region, and reflect our belief that the path to food security runs through applied science and homegrown technology.”
From Pollination to Harvest: A Look at the Tech
The university presented a suite of four distinct technologies designed to improve efficiency across the agricultural value chain.
TouchRIPE: The UAE’s first fruit ripeness testing device with a published US patent. It uses a wearable thumb-mounted sensor and embedded AI to check fruit ripeness and firmness on the tree in seconds without causing damage.
Plant AI: An AI-powered disease detection system for greenhouses, achieving a 98.5% accuracy rate across 10 different plant types. It features an integrated dashboard for real-time monitoring of entire facilities.
PollenMATIC: A joint startup with SILAL, this project provides growers with an affordable handheld pollination device. It uses vibration-based smart actuation technology and is designed for crops like tomatoes, strawberries, and blueberries.
AerialYield: Also developed with SILAL, this system uses drone-based scanning and AI ripeness detection to automate yield estimation. The data feeds into a smart greenhouse dashboard, offering growers a comprehensive overview of crop conditions.
About Khalifa University of Science and Technology
Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the UAE’s top-ranked research-intensive institution, focuses on developing world leaders and critical thinkers in science, engineering, and health science. The world-class university endeavors to be a catalyst to the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy as an education destination of choice and a global leader among widely acknowledged international universities.
Source: Zawya
