The FoodTech Challenge seeks to find the next wave of technology innovations that are on the cusp of transforming food and traditional agriculture practices, efficiently and sustainably. Targeted at early-stage start-ups, ranging from international university-based research teams to individual entrepreneurs and small firms, the competition invites innovations related to two critical areas: ‘food production’ to address the availability and abundance of food and explore ‘next gen’, nutrient rich alternatives, and ‘food loss and waste’ to ensure sustainability across the food supply chain and the planet more broadly.
THE AWARD
The total prize pool is valued at US $2 Million and consists of cash awards, incentive schemes, start-up acceleration, and R&D support.
They are looking for exciting start-ups that offer solutions in two critical areas: ‘food production’ to address the availability and abundance of food and explore ‘next gen’, nutrient-rich alternatives, and ‘food loss and waste’ to ensure sustainability across the food supply chain and the planet more broadly.
10 finalist teams will be selected by leading industry experts, before competing at a two-day event featuring workshops, networking sessions, panel discussions and an awards ceremony in November 2022.
Four winning teams will be selected and awarded a share of the $2m USD prize pool consisting of cash awards and opportunities for grants, incentive schemes, and start-up acceleration support.
The 2022 competition is brought to you by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and Tamkeen, in association with Aspire. The FoodTech Challenge is delighted to welcome ADQ and Silal as the track partners for food production-related submissions, and the Emirates Foundation as the track partner for food loss and waste.
Eligibility Criteria
- The competition is open to all participants above 18 years old.
- They are specifically looking for early-stage agri-food tech start-ups within Food Production and Food Loss and Waste.
- To be eligible to participate, your start-up should:
- Address ‘Food Production’ or ‘Food Loss and Waste’ segments of the value chain
- Have not yet gone for a Series-A funding round
- Have a workable minimum viable product
- Have been in operation for less than 5 years
- Have no more than 25 employees
To be shortlisted as a finalist, your start-up needs to exhibit a unique and sustainable technological solution, a strong plan for commercial viability, relevance to UAE’s food security priorities, and a clear implementation plan in the UAE, should you be successful.
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.