Khalifa University Unveils UAE’s First Fruit Ripeness Device

Dubai: Khalifa University of Science and Technology has unveiled TouchRIPE, the UAE’s first handheld fruit ripeness detection device, marking another milestone in the nation’s innovation journey. The breakthrough comes as the university showcases a lineup of ten Deep Tech startups at two global tech stages — GITEX Global 2025 and Expand North Star 2025 — reinforcing its reputation as a leader in research-driven innovation and technology commercialization.

Already protected by a U.S. patent filing, TouchRIPE is being demonstrated at the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion in Hall 19 at GITEX Global. The lightweight device, built entirely by Khalifa University researchers, weighs just 135 grams and works offline — making it perfectly suited for farms and field inspections. Equipped with a vision-based tactile sensor and embedded AI, the thumb-mounted gadget mimics human touch to assess fruit firmness within 30 seconds. This enables farmers and agribusinesses to determine ripeness without damaging produce, helping reduce food waste and improve quality control across the supply chain.

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At Expand North Star 2025, hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy at Dubai Harbour, Khalifa University’s Innovation Centre (KIC) is spotlighting ten startups built on university-led research. These ventures span sectors like artificial intelligence, robotics, health, energy, and sustainability — reflecting the UAE’s growing Deep Tech ecosystem.

Among them is Nutrigenics Care, an AI-powered clinical nutrition platform recently accepted into Microsoft Founders Hub; Deep Forecast, which provides AI-based geospatial environmental intelligence; and DroneLeaf, developing autonomous drone solutions for precision tasks. Also featured are Kumrah AI, a spin-off specialising in neuromorphic vision systems for robotics; IBSAR Technologies, focused on image and video analytics; and Laboos Technologies, known for energy-efficient medical wearables.

Rounding off the lineup are Mashyah Health, which develops data-driven rehabilitation tools; Proscreenix, advancing biotechnology innovations; Stellaria (formerly Farmin), offering smart city and environmental analytics; and Verdisol, promoting sustainable agriculture and circular economy solutions.

Both GITEX Global 2025 (October 13–17 at Dubai World Trade Centre) and Expand North Star 2025 (October 12–15 at Dubai Harbour) bring together global innovators and startups shaping the digital future. Khalifa University’s presence at these twin events showcases how homegrown research is moving beyond labs — into real-world technologies that can transform industries and support the UAE’s vision of a knowledge-based economy.