UAE FoodTech Challenge

From scaling breakthrough agri-tech solutions in arid environments to advancing the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, these innovations are set to deliver measurable impact in the UAE and across the Global South 🌍🤝

Following the announcement of the winners at #AbuDhabiSustainabilityWeek, our esteemed judges shared their reflections on the ambition, ingenuity, and real-world impact demonstrated.

From 1,215 entries across 113 countries to 10 exceptional international finalists, #FoodTechChallenge 3.0 brought the world’s most promising innovators to Abu Dhabi to reimagine the future of food systems 🌱🚀

Congratulations to all our finalists, and to our winners – Akorn Technology, Permia Sensing, HyveGeo, and Flybox! 🏆 We’re excited to see how each of these teams continues to grow, scale, and deliver real-world impact 🚀

The 10 finalists, selected from 1,200+ submissions across 113 countries, pitched live before an international judging panel at ADSW, with 4 standout startups emerging as this year’s winners, recognized for innovations that strengthen food production & reduce waste

The third edition of the UAE FoodTech Challenge wrapped up with an action-packed Finale Week in Abu Dhabi, bringing innovators and partners together to advance solutions shaping the future of global food systems 🌍

Congratulations once more to our FoodTech Challenge 3.0 winners, Akorn Technology, Permia Sensing, HyveGeo, and Flybox 🏆 We look forward to seeing their solutions brought to life, scaled, and translated into meaningful impact for food systems worldwide 🌍

In their own words, hear our winners reflect on their experience, the value of mentorship and expert feedback, and how the platform helps strengthen their vision for impact at scale. Their stories highlight the power of collaboration, bold thinking, and turning ideas into action.

For the winners of the FoodTech Challenge, the journey represents more than a milestone. It reflects a shared ambition to push the boundaries of innovation and shape the future of global food systems through practical, scalable solutions 🚀

With plans to localize their solution for the UAE and expand across the Middle East, we’re looking forward to seeing Permia Sensing create smarter, more resilient agriculture for arid environments 🌍🚀

Already deployed across more than 15,000 hectares of palm plantations in Sri Lanka, the technology helps boost yields while reducing losses and unnecessary inputs 🌱📊

Congratulations to Permia Sensing, winner of #FoodTechChallenge 3.0! 🌴🏆   Permia Sensing uses AI, bioacoustic sensors, and drone imaging to monitor tree health at scale, giving farmers early insight into stress factors such as dehydration and pest infestations.

As winners, HyveGeo will expand their research and launch new pilots across the Global South, accelerating the shift toward regenerative, climate-smart agriculture 🚀

Already in use across the UAE, their nature-based solution is turning desert land into fertile, arable ground while supporting climate resilience ♻️🌍

Congratulations to HyveGeo, winner of #FoodTechChallenge 3.0! 🏆🌱   By transforming agricultural waste into carbon-rich biochar and enriching it with beneficial microbes, HyveGeo is restoring soil health and boosting productivity in arid environments.

Their scalable, off-grid approach turns waste into value while strengthening local food production.   We look forward to seeing Flybox scale their solution and help redefine how organic waste is managed locally and globally 🌍🚀

Congratulations to Flybox, a winner of #FoodTechChallenge 3.0! 🏆🐛   By harnessing insects to transform organic byproducts into high-quality protein and fertilizer, Flybox is closing the loop on food systems and unlocking a truly circular, low-emissions model ♻️🌱

By protecting produce at the source, Akorn is strengthening resilient, efficient food systems and helping more of what’s grown reach people’s plates.   We’re excited to see this solution scale globally and deliver lasting impact across food value chains 🌍♻️

Congratulations to @AkornTechnology, a winner of #FoodTechChallenge 3.0! 🌱   Their natural, plant-based edible coatings extend the freshness of fruits and vegetables - cutting post-harvest losses where cold-chain access is limited and food waste hits hardest.