WORLD NEWS | ADAFSA signs agreement with Hub71 to support development of agricultural technology innovations

dubai [UAE]9th May (ANI/WAM): Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has signed a partnership agreement with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology ecosystem, to accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies in agriculture, food safety, food Development and adoption of safety and biosecurity.

The partnership will bring together stakeholders from the agtech industry to work in a collaborative environment to empower and support agtech start-ups to innovate in the field.

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The agreement was signed by Dr. Mariam Harib AlSuwaidi, Deputy Director General, Operational Affairs, ADAFSA; and Ahmad Ali Alwan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Hub7.

Under the agreement, ADAFSA and Hub71 will work together to address challenges facing the agtech industry by connecting businesses with startups providing technology-based solutions. With the UAE declaring 2023 as the Year of Sustainable Development, the agreement is in line with the country’s ambitions for a more sustainable future that protects its land and resources.

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Startups will also be able to engage with experts through a mentorship program driven by industry experts. The two entities will also collaborate to build a strong network of agtech stakeholders across business, academia and government to foster partnerships and support entrepreneurial innovation.

The UAE leads the Middle East and North Africa region in the 2022 Global Food Security Index (GFSI), ranking 23rd in the GFSI overall ranking, up 12 places from 2021, 31st in food affordability and 31st in food availability 7th in food supply, 16th in food safety and quality, and 53rd in sustainability and adaptability sub-indicators. The National Food Security Strategy aims to create a comprehensive national system to achieve sustainable food production and lead the global food security index by 2051.

Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director General of ADAFSA said: “We are delighted to partner with Hub71 to attract international agtech companies to set up operations in Abu Dhabi and promote innovative agricultural solutions in support of food security and our ambition to achieve the number one Food Security Index to 2051.”

He noted that Hub71 is one of the key initiatives of ‘Ghadan 21’, Abu Dhabi’s accelerator program aimed at spurring the emirate’s growth as a hub for diverse innovation. The partnership will strengthen the UAE’s position as a global destination for agricultural technology and innovation in desert environments to address soil, water and climate change challenges. In addition, international businesses and innovative thinkers have the opportunity to benefit from the programs and incentives offered by the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

According to him, the use of modern agricultural technology is in line with the principles of sustainable development upheld by the governments of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates, as it offers practical solutions to the challenges posed by climate change, while rationally utilizing natural resources to increase productivity and supply chain efficiency.

The agreement is a strategic step to support innovation along the value chain from producer to consumer and promote sustainable food security.

Ahmad Ali Alwan said: “The agreement with ADAFSA will enable Hub71 to unlock opportunities for AgriTech startups to build breakthrough technologies that can revolutionize the agricultural sector. As Abu Dhabi cements its commitment to sustainable development , AgriTech startups can play a vital role in providing solutions to protect the food supply chain from environmental challenges, reducing carbon emissions and driving sustainable practices in the process.”

Hub71 will source and select leading agtech startups from around the world and provide them with the opportunity to participate in the Ecosystem Company Building Program as well as access to ADAFSA’s state-of-the-art research laboratories and ADAFSA-funded infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, promoting Their contributions to advancing biosecurity systems and improving food quality and safety.

Hub71 and ADAFSA will bridge the gap between the government and the agtech sector in their quest to build a larger shared ecosystem for sustainable innovation in the emirate, while bringing stakeholders together in a collaborative environment to engage and transact.

Through the partnership, start-ups will have access to the wider Abu Dhabi ecosystem and have the opportunity to work closely with global technology companies, government agencies and investors to develop advanced agtech innovations.

Founders will also benefit from access to Hub71 programmes, including incentive programs and venture labs, as well as participation in platforms and events such as Hub71’s fundraising roadshows and demo days. (ANI/WAM)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)