UAE Reveals 10 Innovators Transforming Global FoodTech

In a landmark move to advance global food security, the UAE has announced the 10 finalists of the 3rd edition of the FoodTech Challenge (FTC) 3.0. The competition, which received 1,215 applications from 113 countries, aims to identify breakthrough agri-food technology solutions capable of transforming food systems in arid and resource-scarce regions.

Revealed at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2025 Annual Meeting in New York during the UN General Assembly, the finalists were selected from 42 semifinalists for their innovative, technology-driven approaches. The chosen teams will now undergo a specialized preparatory program before competing for the top awards later this year.

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Pioneering Solutions for Food Security

The FoodTech Challenge targets two critical areas: boosting food production and minimizing food loss and waste. The 10 finalist teams showcase a wide array of innovations:

• Akorn Technology (USA): Natural produce coatings to extend freshness.

• Ecorich Solutions (Kenya): Affordable fertilizer made from waste in 24 hours.

• Flybox (UK): Modular insect farms converting food waste into sustainable protein.

• Homeport (UAE): Nanobubbles enhancing crop and livestock growth in arid lands.

• HungreeApp (USA): Community platform for sharing surplus food.

• HyveGeo (UAE): Biochar for sustainable, circular agriculture.

• Jabu (France): AI solutions to combat food waste efficiently.

• P-Vita (Egypt): Extracting nutrients from palm waste for healthier products.

• Seadling (Malaysia): Seaweed innovations as eco-friendly food and crop enhancers.

• Permia Sensing (UK): Tree-monitoring technology protecting palm yields.

From Concept to Market

The finalists will participate in intensive workshops and mentorship sessions, connecting them with UAE-based investors, industry experts, and global market partners. This structured support is designed to accelerate the commercialization and international scaling of their solutions.

The UAE’s unique environment—with arid lands and limited water resources—serves as a real-world testing ground for these innovations, ensuring they are robust enough to tackle global food challenges.

Global Impact and Legacy

Previous editions of the FoodTech Challenge have produced tangible results: winners collectively secured US$48 million in funding, launched pilot projects across the UAE, and expanded into international markets. FTC 3.0 continues this trajectory, spotlighting technologies that could redefine sustainable agriculture and food security for climate-vulnerable regions worldwide.