Ten global agri-tech innovators are set to arrive in Abu Dhabi this week to compete for the top prize at the UAE FoodTech Challenge, an international competition dedicated to scaling breakthrough solutions for food security. As the finalists gather ahead of the finale at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, they will engage in a series of strategic workshops and partner-led sessions. These activities are designed to integrate the startups into Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem, providing the industry connections necessary to scale their operations from the UAE to the Global South and beyond.
Bridging Global Innovation And Local Needs
The third iteration of the challenge, organized by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, focuses on addressing food security in arid and climate-stressed environments. This year’s finalists hail from seven countries, including the UAE, Egypt, Kenya, Malaysia, France, the UK, and the US. Their solutions range from protein-producing insect farms to AI-powered tools aimed at minimizing food waste. Previous winners of the challenge have successfully secured over $48 million in funding and launched 50 pilot projects, underscoring the competition’s role as a launchpad for tangible impact.
Immersion In Abu Dhabi’s Tech Ecosystem
The upcoming week offers the finalists a comprehensive itinerary aimed at refining their business models and securing investment. The schedule includes a visit to Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, where startups will explore growth opportunities within the emirate. Finalists will also participate in a pitch clinic with H.R.H. Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud of KBW Ventures to prepare for investor engagement. Furthermore, the cohort will tour Silal’s Innovation Oasis to learn how past winners have accelerated ideas from concept to market and visit the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture to explore research on climate-resilient crops. An exclusive networking evening hosted by VentureSouq will further connect the founders with leading regional sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Food Security
Delivered in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ne’ma, and Silal, the competition emphasizes a collaborative approach to transforming food systems. The finalists will engage in policy discussions at the ne’ma Food Loss and Waste Majlis, addressing critical supply chain efficiencies. The winners, who will share a $2 million prize package, are to be selected by a panel of experts including Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, and Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen. This initiative highlights the UAE’s commitment to leveraging local innovation and international cooperation to build resilient, sustainable supply chains for a rapidly growing global population.
About UAE FoodTech Challenge
The UAE FoodTech Challenge is a global competition that seeks to identify, support, and scale the next wave of agri-tech innovations capable of transforming food systems in arid and harsh environments. Organized by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, the challenge focuses on two critical tracks: increasing food production and reducing food loss and waste. Winners receive a share of a substantial cash prize, access to R&D support, and opportunities to scale their solutions within the UAE and across the Global South.
Source: WAM
