Winners of UAE FoodTech Challenge 2026 to Join National Agri-Tech Ecosystem
In a significant development during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the winners of the UAE FoodTech Challenge 2026 were announced, highlighting the growing convergence of technology and agriculture. This third edition of the global competition witnessed the recognition of four innovative startups: HyveGeo, Permia Sensing, Flybox, and Akorn Technology. Each of these firms will receive a share of a generous $2 million prize to implement pilot solutions and scale their operations within the UAE and beyond.
HyveGeo is focused on turning agricultural waste into biochar, which is subsequently enriched with beneficial microbes to create a high-performance soil enhancer. Their approach has already gained traction among UAE farmers, converting arid land into fertile ground. The startup plans to broaden its research efforts and initiate new pilot projects in emerging markets.
Permia Sensing, on the other hand, integrates cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, bioacoustic sensors, and drone imagery to monitor tree health effectively. Their solutions have already proven beneficial by covering over 15,000 hectares of palm plantations in Sri Lanka, assisting farmers in preemptively identifying stress factors like dehydration and pest infestations. The company aims to refine its techniques for use in the UAE while expanding across the Middle East.
Akorn Technology offers a natural edible coating for fruits and vegetables, designed to slow down ripening, reduce moisture loss, and maintain color. Their innovative solution has already found applications in Egypt and Ghana, enhancing product longevity and decreasing post-harvest losses. With the challenge win, they will tailor their product further for use in the challenging arid climates of the UAE.
Finally, Flybox employs black soldier fly larvae to convert agricultural byproducts into high-quality protein and fertilizers, effectively turning waste into valuable resources. Their self-sufficient, cost-effective solution is currently utilized in various African countries, including Uganda and Kenya, and is set for launch in the UAE, in partnership with local waste management stakeholders.
The UAE FoodTech Challenge is a major initiative organized by the UAE Presidential Court's Office of International Affairs and Tamkeen, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and local food loss initiatives. This year's competition attracted an impressive 1,215 submissions from 113 countries, reflecting the urgency and relevance of food technology innovations in addressing global food security concerns.
During the final round, the ten finalists showcased their groundbreaking ideas to an international jury of experts from food systems, sustainability, and investment sectors. This process resulted in the selection of the four standout winners, who now join an expanding network of previous victors, collectively raising over $48 million in follow-up funding since their initial recognition.
Rima Al Mokarrab, the president of Tamkeen and co-chair of the FoodTech Challenge, remarked on the vision for resilient food systems in the UAE. She highlighted how this challenge feeds directly into the Emirati aspirations for a sustainable future. As the winners commence this new chapter, the support from their innovation network will be crucial in fostering scalable and impactful solutions.
Furthermore, Fatema Almulla of the UAE Presidency reinforced the importance of agricultural innovation in global development, emphasizing the role of the UAE in addressing climate vulnerabilities. She reiterated the goal of aligning advanced technologies, leadership, and global expertise to transition successful pilot projects into large-scale solutions, thus converting innovation into measurable impacts.
The UAE FoodTech Challenge effectively serves as a platform for accelerating agri-tech innovations that not only enhance local agricultural practices but also contribute to broader objectives of food security and sustainability in challenging environments. With each passing year, the importance of such initiatives becomes clearer, as they pave the way for transformative changes in food systems worldwide.
To learn more about the transformative solutions that emerged from this competition, visit the FoodTech Challenge website or the official YouTube channel for winner presentations and more insights.
Overview of the Winners
HyveGeo is focused on turning agricultural waste into biochar, which is subsequently enriched with beneficial microbes to create a high-performance soil enhancer. Their approach has already gained traction among UAE farmers, converting arid land into fertile ground. The startup plans to broaden its research efforts and initiate new pilot projects in emerging markets.
Permia Sensing, on the other hand, integrates cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, bioacoustic sensors, and drone imagery to monitor tree health effectively. Their solutions have already proven beneficial by covering over 15,000 hectares of palm plantations in Sri Lanka, assisting farmers in preemptively identifying stress factors like dehydration and pest infestations. The company aims to refine its techniques for use in the UAE while expanding across the Middle East.
Akorn Technology offers a natural edible coating for fruits and vegetables, designed to slow down ripening, reduce moisture loss, and maintain color. Their innovative solution has already found applications in Egypt and Ghana, enhancing product longevity and decreasing post-harvest losses. With the challenge win, they will tailor their product further for use in the challenging arid climates of the UAE.
Finally, Flybox employs black soldier fly larvae to convert agricultural byproducts into high-quality protein and fertilizers, effectively turning waste into valuable resources. Their self-sufficient, cost-effective solution is currently utilized in various African countries, including Uganda and Kenya, and is set for launch in the UAE, in partnership with local waste management stakeholders.
The Challenge’s Impact and Future Directions
The UAE FoodTech Challenge is a major initiative organized by the UAE Presidential Court's Office of International Affairs and Tamkeen, in collaboration with the Gates Foundation and local food loss initiatives. This year's competition attracted an impressive 1,215 submissions from 113 countries, reflecting the urgency and relevance of food technology innovations in addressing global food security concerns.
During the final round, the ten finalists showcased their groundbreaking ideas to an international jury of experts from food systems, sustainability, and investment sectors. This process resulted in the selection of the four standout winners, who now join an expanding network of previous victors, collectively raising over $48 million in follow-up funding since their initial recognition.
Rima Al Mokarrab, the president of Tamkeen and co-chair of the FoodTech Challenge, remarked on the vision for resilient food systems in the UAE. She highlighted how this challenge feeds directly into the Emirati aspirations for a sustainable future. As the winners commence this new chapter, the support from their innovation network will be crucial in fostering scalable and impactful solutions.
Furthermore, Fatema Almulla of the UAE Presidency reinforced the importance of agricultural innovation in global development, emphasizing the role of the UAE in addressing climate vulnerabilities. She reiterated the goal of aligning advanced technologies, leadership, and global expertise to transition successful pilot projects into large-scale solutions, thus converting innovation into measurable impacts.
The UAE FoodTech Challenge effectively serves as a platform for accelerating agri-tech innovations that not only enhance local agricultural practices but also contribute to broader objectives of food security and sustainability in challenging environments. With each passing year, the importance of such initiatives becomes clearer, as they pave the way for transformative changes in food systems worldwide.
To learn more about the transformative solutions that emerged from this competition, visit the FoodTech Challenge website or the official YouTube channel for winner presentations and more insights.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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