Dubai Holding has named homegrown desert greening scale-up HyveGeo the winner of its Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator, besting a field of over 1,400 global applicants. The UAE-based company develops a soil additive using AI and biology to improve food, water, and climate security in arid regions.
Quick Facts
- UAE scale-up HyveGeo wins top prize.
- Awarded AED 500,000 cash from an AED 850,000 pool.
- Secures fully funded pilot project with Dubai Holding.
Beating 1,400 Global Contenders
HyveGeo, founded by Abdulaziz Bin Redha, was selected as the top solution from a competitive cohort of applicants from 93 countries. The announcement was made at the accelerator’s Demo Day at the Theatre of Digital Art in Dubai.
As the winner, HyveGeo receives a fully funded opportunity to implement its desert greening technology within Dubai Holding’s extensive local ecosystem. The prize package also includes AED 500,000 in cash and a one-year membership to in5, TECOM Group’s startup incubator.
The first runner-up, Norway’s Cycled Technologies, received AED 250,000 for its automated waste-sorting hardware. CO2Wall from the Netherlands, which develops AI-driven living green walls, was awarded AED 100,000 as the second runner-up.
AI and Biology to Green the Desert
HyveGeo’s core product is a biochar, a specialized soil additive created through a process involving climate engineering, biology, and artificial intelligence. The technology is designed to make desert soil more fertile, directly addressing regional challenges related to food production and water scarcity. The company was also recognized as the Top Innovator based on audience votes at the Demo Day.
The accelerator program provided finalists with a 12-week hybrid curriculum, including mentorship from Dubai Holding leadership and expert-led workshops. The final assessment was based on solution clarity, feasibility, pitch quality, and alignment with Dubai Holding’s priorities.
Dubai Holding Backs High-Impact Scale-ups
The Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator is a key philanthropic initiative for Dubai Holding, aimed at supporting ventures that can drive systemic change and contribute to a circular economy.
Huda Buhumaid, Group Chief Impact Officer at Dubai Holding, stated: “Tackling sustainability challenges requires collective action, with corporates playing a critical role in advancing enterprise development by providing mentorship, resources and real-world testing opportunities that enable solutions to scale.”
She added, “Championing late-stage innovators such as HyveGeo, Cycled Technologies and CO2Wall reflects our commitment to building enduring partnerships and communities that deliver measurable, lasting impact in the UAE and beyond, as part of our broader philanthropic mission.”
About Innovate For Tomorrow Impact Accelerator
Delivered in partnership with TECOM Group’s in5 and execution partner BOLT, the accelerator is Dubai Holding’s global scale-up program designed to support entrepreneurship and the transition toward a circular economy. It aligns with national strategies including the UAE Centennial 2071 and UAE Net Zero by 2050. This year’s program focused on three themes: food loss and waste, resource recovery and regeneration, and digital innovation for sustainability.
Source: Zawya
