#United States #UAE #Berkeley #FoodTech Challenge #Akorn Technology

Akorn Technology's Innovative Triumph at UAE FoodTech Challenge

In a significant achievement for sustainability and food technology, Akorn Technology, a startup based in Berkeley, California, has emerged as one of the winners of the prestigious UAE FoodTech Challenge. This global competition, aimed at showcasing and scaling the world's most promising agri-tech solutions, was held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which is known for attracting leaders and innovators in the field of sustainability.

The UAE FoodTech Challenge is not only about recognition; the competition offered a $2 million prize package and the opportunity for winners to integrate into the UAE's vibrant innovation ecosystem, a hub for forward-thinking solutions in agritech. Akorn Technology was selected from over 1,200 entries from 113 countries, a testament to the groundbreaking nature of its work.

Tackling Food Waste with Innovation

Founded in 2019, Akorn Technology is focused on addressing a global issue: food waste. It's alarming to note that around 13% of food is lost between harvest and the retail stage, compounded by an additional 19% that is wasted at the consumer level. This staggering loss not only impacts food availability but also contributes to environmental degradation.

Akorn's innovative solution involves the development of a natural, edible coating formulated from vegetable proteins, wax, and natural oils. This bespoke coating is designed to extend the shelf life of fresh produce without altering its taste, quality, or nutritional value. It effectively slows the ripening process and reduces moisture loss, allowing farmers and retailers to offer fresher, longer-lasting fruits and vegetables to consumers.

Future Aspirations and Global Outreach

The win at the UAE FoodTech Challenge positions Akorn Technology to rapidly scale its solutions beyond its current operations in Egypt and Ghana. The startup aims to expand into new international markets in the Global South, thus building more resilient supply chains while contributing to global food security.

According to Akorn Technology's Founder and CEO, Anthony Zografos, this recognition marks a pivotal moment for the company. He expressed immense pride in the validation their technology has received, stating, "Our breakthrough technology has the potential to solve one of the world's biggest challenges – food loss." He added that the funding and ecosystem support that comes with this win will help them set up a research program and production capability within the UAE, with pilot production expected to begin in the next 12 to 18 months.

Additionally, Akorn Technology has already established preliminary agreements with growers in South Africa and Southeast Asia to test its products, paving the way for meaningful deployment of its innovative solutions.

Joining the Ranks of Global Innovators

Akorn Technology is not alone in this journey, as they share the stage with other commendable startups like Permia Sensing, HyveGeo, and Flybox. Together, these companies represent a new wave of innovative solutions aimed at transforming food systems in arid, climate-stressed environments. The collective efforts of these winners at the UAE FoodTech Challenge also underscore the growing recognition that technology-driven solutions are critical in the fight against food waste and insecurity.

The UAE FoodTech Challenge is a notable initiative led by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, in collaboration with organizations like the Gates Foundation and Silal, a leading agritech firm in the UAE. Their continued partnership signifies a concerted effort to tackle food loss and is reflective of a broader commitment to enhance food systems globally.

With Akorn Technology leading the charge, the future of food security looks more promising as the company embarks on a mission to innovate the way we think about food preservation.