Ten global agri-tech innovators are set to convene in Abu Dhabi this week to compete for the grand prize at the UAE FoodTech Challenge, an international competition dedicated to addressing food security in arid environments. Organised by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, the third edition of the challenge features a US$2 million prize pool and aims to scale breakthrough solutions that increase food production and reduce waste in climate-stressed regions.
Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture
The challenge focuses on two critical pillars: increasing food availability and minimizing food loss. This year’s finalists hail from seven countries—including the UAE, UK, US, Malaysia, Kenya, Egypt, and France—and present diverse solutions ranging from protein-producing insect farms to AI-driven waste reduction tools. The initiative is delivered in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ne’ma (the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative), and Silal, Abu Dhabi’s leading agri-tech food company.
Beyond the competition, the finalists will engage in a rigorous itinerary designed to integrate them into Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem. This includes policy discussions at the ne’ma Food Loss and Waste Majlis and tours of Silal’s Innovation Oasis, where they will explore how previous winners have successfully transitioned ideas from concept to market. The program highlights the UAE’s role as a launchpad for deep-tech ventures looking to expand into the Global South.
Bridging The Gap Between Concept And Capital
To ensure long-term commercial viability, the finalists will gain direct access to regional investors and industry experts. The agenda includes a visit to Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem, and a specialized “Pitch Clinic” with His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud of KBW Ventures. These sessions are designed to refine the startups’ investment readiness before the final showcase.
Furthermore, the program features an exclusive networking evening hosted by VentureSouq, which will connect the entrepreneurs with leading sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors from across the GCC. Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen, emphasized that the challenge is designed to connect talented innovators with the partners and capital needed to amplify their impact globally, ensuring that high-potential ideas can mature into deployable solutions for a resilient food future.
About UAE FoodTech Challenge
The UAE FoodTech Challenge is a global competition that seeks to identify and scale innovative agri-tech solutions capable of addressing food security challenges in arid and climate-stressed environments. Organised by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, the initiative focuses on increasing food production and reducing food loss and waste. Since its inception, the challenge has helped previous winners secure over US$48 million in funding and launch 50 pilot projects worldwide.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
