UAE FoodTech Challenge 2026: Innovators in Agri-Tech to Enhance Food Security Globally
The UAE FoodTech Challenge 2026, highlighting cutting-edge innovations in the agricultural technology sector, recently announced its winners during the prestigious Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. This global competition aims to identify and scale the most promising agri-tech solutions that contribute to sustainable food systems and global food security. Notable winners include HyveGeo, Permia Sensing, Flybox, and Akorn Technology, who collectively earned a share of $2 million to test and scale their solutions in the UAE and other global southern markets.
Detailed Overview of the Winning Innovations
1. Permia Sensing has developed a sophisticated system utilizing artificial intelligence, bioacoustic sensors, and drone imagery to monitor palm health. Their approach, which is currently active on over 15,000 hectares of palm plantations in Sri Lanka, provides early detection of stress factors, such as drought and pest infestations. With their win in the challenge, they plan to collaborate with local partners in the UAE to refine their technology for regional needs and expand its applications throughout the Middle East.
2. HyveGeo focuses on transforming agricultural waste into carbon-rich biochar, which is then fortified with microbes to create a powerful soil enhancer. This nature-based circular approach is already helping farmers and landscapers turn dry desert soils into fertile farmland across the UAE. As recipients of the competition's funding, they aim to broaden their research and initiate pilot projects in global southern markets.
3. Akorn Technology produces an edible coating for fruits and vegetables using plant-based proteins that slow down ripening, wax to reduce moisture loss, and plant oils to maintain color. Their solution is currently in use in Egypt and Ghana, extending product shelf life and reducing post-harvest losses. This award will enable them to optimize their offering for the UAE and similar arid regions.
4. Flybox employs black soldier fly larvae to convert agricultural by-products into high-quality protein and fertilizers while decreasing landfill waste. Their cost-effective, off-grid solution is operational in Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria and is now set for introduction in the UAE, supported by collaborations with local waste management partners for large-scale implementation.
Out of an impressive initial pool of 1,215 entries from 113 countries, only ten finalists reached the competition's final stage where they pitched their innovations live to an esteemed international jury. The selected startups demonstrated not only innovative approaches but also a commitment to addressing some of the harshest challenges in food production and sustainability.
Rima Al Mokarrab, Chairwoman of Tamkeen and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge, emphasized the vital role of resilient and secure food systems aligned with the UAE’s long-term vision for a prosperous future. The recent winners join an expanding network of past recipients who have collectively raised over $48 million in follow-up financing while initiating more than 50 pilot projects in the UAE and other markets.
The challenge promises tailored support for these startups, including pilot opportunities, access to research facilities, market entry guidance, mentoring, and investor connections through a robust network of local and international partners. This framework will aid them in implementing and disseminating their solutions in key markets globally.
Fatema Almulla, Senior Development Expert at the UAE President's Office, highlighted the country's commitment to innovative agricultural practices as part of its global engagement. By embedding the winning startups in a proven development ecosystem, the UAE aims to accelerate the transition of innovative ideas into impactful solutions amid pressing climatic challenges.
The UAE FoodTech Challenge exemplifies how targeted competitions can inspire practical, scalable, and accessible solutions that improve food security for underprivileged and climate-vulnerable populations. With backing from influential organizations like the Gates Foundation, the initiative continues to push the envelope in addressing food loss and waste while enhancing sustainability and access to nutritious food—a crucial factor in building resilient food systems worldwide.
For more insights into the FoodTech Challenge and to view videos of the winners, visit www.foodtechchallenge.com.
Detailed Overview of the Winning Innovations
1. Permia Sensing has developed a sophisticated system utilizing artificial intelligence, bioacoustic sensors, and drone imagery to monitor palm health. Their approach, which is currently active on over 15,000 hectares of palm plantations in Sri Lanka, provides early detection of stress factors, such as drought and pest infestations. With their win in the challenge, they plan to collaborate with local partners in the UAE to refine their technology for regional needs and expand its applications throughout the Middle East.
2. HyveGeo focuses on transforming agricultural waste into carbon-rich biochar, which is then fortified with microbes to create a powerful soil enhancer. This nature-based circular approach is already helping farmers and landscapers turn dry desert soils into fertile farmland across the UAE. As recipients of the competition's funding, they aim to broaden their research and initiate pilot projects in global southern markets.
3. Akorn Technology produces an edible coating for fruits and vegetables using plant-based proteins that slow down ripening, wax to reduce moisture loss, and plant oils to maintain color. Their solution is currently in use in Egypt and Ghana, extending product shelf life and reducing post-harvest losses. This award will enable them to optimize their offering for the UAE and similar arid regions.
4. Flybox employs black soldier fly larvae to convert agricultural by-products into high-quality protein and fertilizers while decreasing landfill waste. Their cost-effective, off-grid solution is operational in Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria and is now set for introduction in the UAE, supported by collaborations with local waste management partners for large-scale implementation.
Out of an impressive initial pool of 1,215 entries from 113 countries, only ten finalists reached the competition's final stage where they pitched their innovations live to an esteemed international jury. The selected startups demonstrated not only innovative approaches but also a commitment to addressing some of the harshest challenges in food production and sustainability.
Rima Al Mokarrab, Chairwoman of Tamkeen and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge, emphasized the vital role of resilient and secure food systems aligned with the UAE’s long-term vision for a prosperous future. The recent winners join an expanding network of past recipients who have collectively raised over $48 million in follow-up financing while initiating more than 50 pilot projects in the UAE and other markets.
The challenge promises tailored support for these startups, including pilot opportunities, access to research facilities, market entry guidance, mentoring, and investor connections through a robust network of local and international partners. This framework will aid them in implementing and disseminating their solutions in key markets globally.
Fatema Almulla, Senior Development Expert at the UAE President's Office, highlighted the country's commitment to innovative agricultural practices as part of its global engagement. By embedding the winning startups in a proven development ecosystem, the UAE aims to accelerate the transition of innovative ideas into impactful solutions amid pressing climatic challenges.
The UAE FoodTech Challenge exemplifies how targeted competitions can inspire practical, scalable, and accessible solutions that improve food security for underprivileged and climate-vulnerable populations. With backing from influential organizations like the Gates Foundation, the initiative continues to push the envelope in addressing food loss and waste while enhancing sustainability and access to nutritious food—a crucial factor in building resilient food systems worldwide.
For more insights into the FoodTech Challenge and to view videos of the winners, visit www.foodtechchallenge.com.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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