About the FoodTech Challenge
The FoodTech Challenge seeks to find the next wave of technology innovations that are on the cusp of transforming food and traditional agriculture practices, efficiently and sustainably. Targeted at early-stage start-ups, ranging from international university-based research teams to individual entrepreneurs and small firms, the competition invites innovations related to two critical areas: ‘food production’ to address the availability and abundance of food and explore ‘next gen’, nutrient rich alternatives, and ‘food loss and waste’ to ensure sustainability across the food supply chain and the planet more broadly.
THE AWARD
The total prize pool is valued at US $2 Million and consists of cash awards, incentive schemes, start-up acceleration, and R&D support.
Our Partners
The FoodTech Challenge has partnered with leading local entities that are driving forward the UAE’s food security agenda through advanced R&D, start-up support, investment, policy, education, and more.
Learn More
UAE Food Security
Food security exists when people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
Learn MoreBe Inspired by Previous Winners
HAS ALGAE
AustraliaAn algae-based superfood rich in omega-3 and protein that can be grown in seawater
QS Monitor
UAEA monitoring platform that supports efforts to ensure food sold in the UAE meets all necessary safety standards
RED SEA FARMS
KSAA greenhouse system that uses saltwater as the primary input, providing a solution that can reduce freshwater use in crops by up to 90%
SafetyNet Technologies
UKA polarised LED lighting solution that helps fishermen catch the right fish and avoid bycatch
Judges
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HE Mariam AlMheiri
Minister of Climate Change & Environment
UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment
Rima Al Mokarrab
Chair
Tamkeen LLC
HE Faisal Al Bannai
Secretary General
Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC)
Dr. Agnes Kalibata
President
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
Danielle Nierenberg
President
Food Tank
David Rosenberg
CEO and Co-Founder
AeroFarms
Dr. Uma Valeti
CEO
UPSIDE Foods
Badr Al Olama
Acting CEO
Hub71
Abdulaziz Al Mulla
Founder and CEO
Madar Farms
Cinar Kurra
CEO
Catalyst
Damian Malins
Venturing Projects Director
Fera Science Ltd
Dr. AbdulMonem Al Marzooqi
CEO
Elite Agro
Dr. Hanan Afifi
Lead Researcher
Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)
Dr. Jennifer Tung
Senior Scientist
UPSIDE Foods
Dr. Merle Jensen
Professor Emeritus
University of Arizona
Dr. Neta Lavon
Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of R&D
Aleph Farms
Feroz Sanaulla
Partner
Roland Berger
Gil Adotevi
Executive Director, Food and Agriculture
ADQ
Hana Barakat
Associate Director
startAD
Kamal Rasool
Director of R&D
Responsive Drip Irrigation
Khuloud Al Nuwais
Chief Sustainability Officer
Emirates Foundation
Mahmoud Ward
Head of Community and Operations
Hub71
Muhra Al Mulla
Senior Associate, Disruptive Investments platform
Mubadala
Nicole Thorpe
Co-Founder and Director
Cultinova
Penny McBride
Strategic Advisor
Penny McBride Consulting
Qussay Abdul Wahab
SME Expert
Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development
Salvatore Lavallo
Head of FDI
Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
Stuart Oda
Founder & CEO
Alesca Life Technologies
