Abu dhabi: The third edition of the UAE FoodTech Challenge, a global competition that identifies and scales agri-tech innovations, concluded at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week with the announcement of four winning startups. These startups, Permia Sensing, HyveGeo, Akorn Technology, and Flybox, showcased pioneering solutions that will now be integrated into the UAE’s agri-tech ecosystem.
According to Emirates News Agency, Permia Sensing utilizes AI, bioacoustic sensors, and drone imaging to monitor tree health, covering over 15,000 hectares of palm plantations in Sri Lanka. Their technology aids in the early detection of stress factors, enabling farmers to boost yields and reduce waste. HyveGeo transforms agricultural waste into biochar, enriched with microbes to enhance soil performance, and is already transforming arid soil into fertile land in the UAE.
Akorn Technology offers a natural, edible coating for fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life, already in use in Egypt and Ghana. Flybox uses black soldier fly larvae to convert agricultural byproducts into protein and fertilizer, reducing landfill waste. Their solutions will be optimized for the UAE and other arid environments.
From an initial pool of 1,215 submissions from 113 countries, ten finalists advanced to the final stage of the competition. They presented their solutions to an international judging panel comprising senior leaders and experts in food systems, sustainability, investment, and international development. The four winning startups were announced during an awards ceremony on the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week main stage.
Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge, emphasized the importance of building resilient and secure food systems for the UAE’s future. The winners will join a community of past awardees who have raised significant funding and launched numerous pilot projects. The winners will share a US$2 million prize and will be invited to scale their solutions in the UAE, receiving in-kind support such as pilot opportunities, access to research facilities, and mentorship.
Fatema Almulla, Senior Specialist Development, International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, highlighted the UAE’s role in international development and agricultural innovation. The FoodTech Challenge embeds startups in a development ecosystem where advanced technologies and global expertise accelerate solutions from pilot to scale.
This year’s challenge was organized by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, ne’ma, and Silal. The finalists represent diverse approaches to food system innovation, such as post-harvest preservation and resource-efficient food production.
Shelly Sundberg of the Gates Foundation and Khuloud Nowais of the ne’ma Steering Committee reiterated the importance of the challenge in advancing solutions that strengthen food security and reduce loss. The UAE FoodTech Challenge supports the UAE’s food security ambitions and contributes to global food system resilience.
