At the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) 2024 Annual Meeting in New York, coinciding with the UN General Assembly, the UAE unveiled the latest edition of the FoodTech Challenge, aimed at addressing the pressing global food security challenges projected for 2050, when an additional 2 billion people will need to be fed.
The third iteration of this competition, organized by the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court and Tamkeen, boasts its largest cash prize to date. In partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CGI, and other local initiatives, this year’s challenge expands its focus to critical areas: food and water, food and energy, and food loss and waste. A shared prize pool of $2 million will be awarded to four winning start-ups, providing them with go-to-market support and access to a vast network of partners.
Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office, emphasized the urgent need for innovation in agriculture, stating,
“With rising demands for food, water, and energy amid climate change, we need bold action and a transformative approach to our food systems.” Rima Al Mokarrab, Chair of Tamkeen, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of partnership and early-stage investment in driving meaningful progress.
Rodger Voorhies from the Gates Foundation noted the escalating crisis of food insecurity and malnutrition, underlining the necessity for innovative technologies that ensure stable food systems. Through the FoodTech Challenge, the UAE aims to pioneer solutions that not only benefit its own arid climate but also serve as a model for other countries facing similar challenges.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
