About the FoodTech Challenge

The FoodTech Challenge awards offer financial and in-kind prizes to ensure our winners have the support they need to have a soft landing in the UAE agri-tech ecosystem.

The winners of this year’s FoodTech Challenge will have the opportunity to access a $2M award pool consisting of a cash prize, startup incentives, acceleration services, innovation grants, localization support, mentorship programs and more.

The 2022 application window closed on 8th July. Applications are now being evaluated by the FoodTech Challenge technical and commercial judges.

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Award Details

The prize pool will be split across four winning teams.

Cash Award

Value: Up to $400,000

Acceleration Support

$135,000 'wallet' to spend on acceleration services, enrollment in company building program, and access to capital & corporate communities

Value: Up to $540,000

Acceleration Support

Proof of concept support and business development support, with access to lab and manufacturing space

Value: Up to $760,000

Subject to Catalyst acceptance and participation T&Cs

Grants to Launch ‘Social Impact’ Projects in the UAE

Value: Up to $500,000

Subject to Ma’an acceptance and participation T&Cs

Localization Support

Support for obtaining UAE commercial registration and ‘Golden Visas’

Patent Support

Technical, legal and financial support for patent registration

Mentorship and Go-To-Market Support

Mentorship and go-to-market support from local agri-tech experts

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.

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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.

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