The Foodtech challenge
The UAE is committed to providing its population with sufficient, safe and nutritious food. In pursuit of that ambition, the FoodTech Challenge is a global competition that seeks innovative solutions across the food value chain.
We are looking for exciting new business ideas that are technologically innovative and sustainable, and specifically tailored to the food and agriculture sectors in the UAE. Your idea can apply to any part of the food value chain, whether it is related to food production, food distribution, or food waste management. Your proposal must incorporate adaptive and innovative technologies, make efficient use of natural resources, and be commercially viable. If your idea is intended for adoption by individual households, we have a specific category of award dedicated for this market.
The FoodTech Challenge is not just a business case competition. Regardless of whether you are selected as a winner, if you have a promising business idea, we will support you to bring your idea to the UAE. This includes providing guidance on how to improve your business proposition, and ongoing engagement and networking opportunities with leading private and public sector entities in the local food and agriculture sectors.
Finally, in addition to the main competition, the FoodTech Challenge will also feature a series of community engagement events that will shed light on the latest issues and thinking about food security and agriculture technology.
The competition is brought to you by the UAE Food Security Office and Tamkeen, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
How it works
1. Applications for the FoodTech Challenge are accepted from September 2019 to February 2020.
2. A panel of experts will select the top ten entries, who will then be invited to present their business case in-person in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
3. The finals will be a three-day food and agriculture technology event, including workshops and panel discussions, networking sessions, and the final award ceremony.
4. Four winning teams will share prize money of up to $1M USD, which includes cash prizes as well as eligibility for a UAE-based accelerator programme.
How you can participate
If you want to be part of the FoodTech Challenge, you will need to submit a detailed business case proposal, as well as a one-minute pitch video. Click the button below to register and to read more about the competition rules.
