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UAE once again makes a move to promote technology innovations in the food industry through a challenge. 

The UAE has launched the latest installment of the 'FoodTech Challenge' competition at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting in New York during the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

Claiming the world must be prepared to feed an additional two billion people by 2050, the FoodTech Challenge aims to identify and support startups providing solutions to address food security challenges.

According to the press release, the third edition of the FoodTech Challenge is organized by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkee along with partnership organizations such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Clinton Global Initiative, Ne'ma, the UAE’s Food Loss and Waste Initiative, and Silal, a UAE agri-tech firm.

For this year's competition, the shared cash price is set at $2 million and will provide market support and access to network partners. The four winner start-ups will also have the opportunity to take on new projects and partnerships to expand in the UAE. 

The third edition of the FoodTech Challenge is focused on three key areas: food and water, food and energy, and food loss and waste.

Through the challenge, UAE will act as a launchpad, which will help the teams to scale their solutions to markets in the Global South for a “food-secure future for all.”

Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court and Co-Chair of the FoodTech Challenge, stated, “With the rising demands for food, water, and energy in the face of climate change, we need bold action, innovative thinking, and a transformative approach to our food systems.”

“Through the FoodTech Challenge, we are ensuring that every country and region has the opportunity to participate in the exchange of ideas and investments on the critical issue of food security.”