Global Agri-Tech Innovators Compete in UAE FoodTech Challenge

Ten global agri-tech innovators will arrive in Abu Dhabi this week to compete in the final stage of the UAE FoodTech Challenge, an international competition aimed at accelerating breakthrough solutions for global food security.

Ahead of the finale, which takes place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the finalists will participate in a week-long programme of workshops, site visits and partner-led sessions. The initiative is designed to provide hands-on exposure to Abu Dhabi’s innovation ecosystem while building strategic connections that could help the startups scale from the UAE into emerging markets across the Global South and beyond.

The UAE FoodTech Challenge focuses on identifying and scaling agri-tech solutions suited to arid and climate-stressed environments, where food security challenges are most acute. Organised by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, and delivered in partnership with the Gates Foundation, ne’ma, and Silal, the third edition of the challenge centres on two priorities: increasing food production and reducing food loss and waste.

This year’s ten finalists represent seven countries, including the UAE, the UK, the US, Malaysia, Kenya, Egypt and France. Their solutions range from insect-based protein production to artificial intelligence platforms designed to minimise food waste. Previous winners of the challenge have collectively raised more than US$48 million in funding and launched over 50 pilot projects across multiple markets.

Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge, said: “Meeting the demands of a rapidly growing population is about more than increasing food production – it requires the transformation of entire food systems, minimising loss and waste, and building a more resilient, inclusive and sustainable supply chain. Local innovation and global collaboration are key levers in this urgent pursuit.

“The UAE FoodTech Challenge connects talented innovators tackling food security challenges in their communities with partners and investors who can help amplify their impact globally. By supporting their integration with Abu Dhabi’s world-class innovation ecosystem and network of like-minded partners, the UAE FoodTech Challenge enables their solutions to scale from the UAE to the global south and beyond.”

During their time in Abu Dhabi, finalists will take part in policy discussions at the ne’ma Food Loss and Waste Majlis and visit Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem. Previous FoodTech Challenge winners have joined Hub71’s incubator cohorts, gaining access to mentorship, funding opportunities and global networks.

Fatema Almulla, Senior Specialist, Development, at the International Affairs Office, UAE Presidential Court, said: “The UAE FoodTech Challenge is a testament to the UAE’s leading role in addressing global challenges through innovation and international cooperation. By convening bold agri-tech innovators from around the world and embedding them within Abu Dhabi’s domain of technological excellence and global development expertise, we are creating a platform where high-potential ideas can mature into globally deployable solutions.”

Khuloud Al Nowais, Chief Sustainability Officer at Emirates Foundation and Secretary General of the ne’ma Steering Committee, said: “The FoodTech Challenge is evolving into a pivotal platform for food system transformation, identifying the right innovations, technologies and solutions that address supply chain issues, create efficiency, prevent or reduce food loss or waste at scale.”

Ahmad Alwan, CEO of Hub71, said: “Hub71’s collaboration with the UAE FoodTech Challenge reflects our commitment on supporting founders building scalable solutions to food security and sustainability challenges. We look forward to welcoming the finalists to Abu Dhabi and supporting their growth through Hub71’s ecosystem.”

The programme also includes a pitch clinic hosted by KBW Ventures with His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, visits to Silal’s Innovation Oasis and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture, and an investor networking evening hosted by VentureSouq.

The winners will be announced at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, sharing a US$2 million prize package and receiving in-kind support to scale their agri-tech solutions globally.