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Following a rigorous and much-anticipated process to identify the most cutting-edge agritech and foodtech solutions in the market today, 12 start-ups have been selected as finalists for the second edition of the Foodtech Challenge.
Selected from an initial submission of 667 applications from 79 countries, and then from a shortlist of 30, the 12 finalists now enter the final stage, in which four startups will be selected to win up to $2 million total prize money for the game.
The FoodTech Challenge seeks to find the next wave of technological innovation on the cusp of effectively and sustainably changing traditional farming practices. The last 12 come from the markets of UAE, Israel, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, UK and US due to interest from start-ups from different regions.
The solutions they explored span food production (5 finalists), including game-changing fog-based technology that uses 95% less water to provide more nutritious crops, using insects to convert food waste into livestock and crops inputs to support food production, grow plant-based protein on non-arable land, and optimize soil quality to maximize irrigation efficiency.
second track
In response to the second track of the competition, the challenge of addressing food loss and waste (7 finalists), innovative solutions include artificial intelligence and IoT-driven systems to minimize and quantify waste, high-visibility and non-destructive quality control systems for fresh produce, new freezing technology that keeps frozen food its original taste and nutritional value, ethylene control solutions to extend the life of produce, upcycling vegetable waste to sustainable protein ingredients, and blocking expiring foods to produce cost-effective and convenient meals.
As part of the shortlisting phase, selected start-ups have participated in a six-week mentorship program with key local stakeholders in the UAE, providing them with in-depth details on the country’s agro-ecosystem and maximizing their successful integration. and opportunities to build.
Mentoring will be provided by previous winners of the FoodTech Challenge, competition partners and key players in the agtech ecosystem, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), lead partner Aspire and tracking partners Silal, ADQ and the Emirates Foundation, As well as supporting partners Abu Dhabi Global Market, Abu Dhabi Competitiveness Office, Abu Dhabi Resident Office, Hub71, Khalifa Fund, Ma’an and Catalyst.
Revitalize
Dr Agnes Kalibata, Chairperson of AGRA, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to the Food Systems Summit 2021 and finalist of the Food Technology Challenge, said: “As a long-standing advocate for public-private partnerships to address food security challenges, I am pleased to see the UAE actively looking Agtech solutions to invest in, incubate and ultimately help accelerate and scale up. Startups participating in this competition may have solutions applicable to other regions with similar climatic conditions. This revived my determination to support sustainable agricultural transformation, And a determination to support entrepreneurs who have the courage and ingenuity to tackle these challenges.”
Danielle Nierenberg, President of Food Tank and Challenge finalist judge, said, “It is an honor and a privilege to participate in the FoodTech Challenge, a competition to alleviate one of the most pressing global challenges of our time: how to secure food supplies and ensure a healthy global society.” Nutrition. I am very excited about the opportunity to support this year’s team of finalists and to be exposed to fresh and innovative thinking from different perspectives and geographies.”
The final four winners of the competition will be selected by nine finalist judges from a variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise.
The list of finalist judges included HE Mariam bint Moha millioned Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge; Rima Al Mokarrab, Chairman of Tamkeen and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge; Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and CEO of KBW Ventures Prince; Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General, Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC); Badr Al Olama, Acting CEO, Hub 71; Dr. Kalibata; David Rosenberg, CEO and Co-Founder, AeroFarms; ; and Nirenberg— trade arab news agency
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