Meet Our 2020 Finalists: Red Sea Farms

Red Sea Farms is a saltwater greenhouse system to enable year-round, high-intensity food production for water scarce regions. They are 1 of our 12 Finalist Teams who will compete in the upcoming FoodTech Challenge Awards Ceremony. Read more about them below.

What makes your team excited about your idea and food technology?:

We’re really excited by the fact that our idea will help digitization of the food supply chain and remove inefficiencies between traders, government and service providers hence improve access to high quality, safe, nutritional food supply.

What is the biggest source of motivation for your team to work on this project?:

Impact has been our biggest source of motivation. We care as much about people as we do the environment, and we desire to leave a positive and lasting impact. Agriculture currently represents the largest global drain on freshwater resources, and this is not sustainable. We have to change. We envision a world where saltwater resources are used sensibly and sustainably to feed global communities.

Could you tell us something unique about your team that makes you a strong contender to be in the Top 4 winners?:

In addition to the co-founders, both masters of their crafts, the Red Sea Farms team includes experts in three key fields: business, horticulture, and technology. We utilize a truly cross-disciplinary approach to problem solving and innovation. Our team is diverse not only in areas of expertise but also in terms of nationality. We have members from 9 different countries on our core team currently. This global problem of food security–which is a result of several complex, interrelated systems–requires multiple perspectives and experiences. We agree with what research shows: more diverse teams become higher-performing units over time. Energy, passion, and joy anchor our company culture and relationships with stakeholders.

Lastly, if you are selected as one of the four winners, how does your team plan to use the prize money?

To be selected as one of four winners would be a great honor. If funding is received, we will refine our technology and scale more rapidly. Our goal is to build a Red Sea Farms saltwater greenhouse pilot adapted specifically to the UAE environment.