Lab-grown milk, AI farms: Startups race for $2 million UAE FoodTech prize

Abu Dhabi: From lab-grown ‘real’ cow milk and regenerative seaweed farming to AI-powered crop monitoring, 42 innovative startups have been named semifinalists in the third edition of the global FoodTech Challenge (FTC).

Organised by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, and delivered in partnership with the Gates Foundation, the UAE’s Food Loss and Waste Initiative (ne’ma), and leading UAE agri-food company Silal, the third edition of FTC offers its largest cash prize to date.

Later this year, four winners will receive a share of $2 million in cash grants. Winners will also benefit from go-to-market support and access to a global innovation network – enabling them to implement their solutions in the UAE and scale across the Global South.

With its arid climate, limited arable land, and scarce freshwater resources, the UAE serves as an ideal testbed for pioneering food and agricultural innovations adaptable to similar environments worldwide.

80% more entries

Announced at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting in 2024, the competition received 1,200 entries from 113 countries, marking an 80 per cent increase in submissions compared to the previous edition.

The 42 shortlisted early-stage startups were selected for their technology-driven solutions with the potential to transform global food systems. A panel of over 30 experts spanning agri-tech, venture capital, climate science, food systems, and policy led the evaluation process. 

16% UAE startups
Startups from the UAE make up 16 per cent of the semifinalist cohort. Notably, 40 per cent of the selected ventures have at least one female co-founder, and 33 per cent are led or co-led by youth entrepreneurs. The diverse group includes startups from countries including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, the UAE, the UK, and the US.

Innovative solutions
“From smart packaging and AI-driven analytics to urban agriculture and renewable energy solutions, these finalists reflect the bold, cross-sectoral approaches we need to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems,” Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates Foundation and ne’ma Committee Secretary General, said.
Salmeen Al Ameri, CEO, Silal, noted: “Bold and scalable solutions require a launchpad for growth, and this year’s cohort is filled with truly innovative solutions that, with the right support, can help make a real impact.”

In the next phase of the competition, selected startups will participate in a series of interviews and pitches, ultimately leading to the selection of a final top 10 shortlist.