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ADAFSA Signs Agreement To Develop Technology In Agriculture and Food Security | |
| Radhika Laghate |
This strategic partnership aims to support innovation along the entire value chain, from producers to consumers, while promoting sustainable food security.
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The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and investment accelerator Hub71 have joined forces in a groundbreaking agreement to foster technological advancements in agriculture, food safety, and food security. This strategic partnership aims to support innovation along the entire value chain, from producers to consumers, while promoting sustainable food security.
By collaborating closely, ADAFSA and Hub71 will create a collaborative environment that empowers and supports startups specialising in agricultural technology. The agreement enables businesses to connect with startups that offer technology-based solutions, allowing them to address the challenges faced by the agritech sector.
Moreover, startups will benefit from mentorship programmes by engaging with industry experts who can provide guidance and support. Through this mentorship initiative, startups will have the opportunity to leverage the expertise of seasoned professionals.
ADAFSA and Hub71 also intend to establish a robust network of AgriTech stakeholders, including businesses, academia, and government, to foster partnerships and bolster innovation among startups. By bringing these stakeholders together, the agreement aims to create a dynamic ecosystem that drives progress and propels the agricultural technology sector forward.
Access To Cutting Edge Research
As part of the agreement, Hub71 will look for and choose the best agritech startups from around the world, giving them access to the ecosystem's company-building programme. Furthermore, selected startups will have access to ADAFSA's cutting-edge research laboratories and infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, enabling them to advance biosecurity systems and enhance food quality and safety.
The partnership between ADAFSA and Hub71 is expected to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for agricultural technologies, particularly those suited to desert environments. It will address critical challenges related to soil, water, and climate change while attracting international agritech companies to operate in the region. This collaboration aligns with the objectives of 'Ghadan 21,' Abu Dhabi's accelerator programme, which aims to foster innovation and diversify the emirate's economy.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) already leads the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in the Global Food Security Index, and its national food security strategy aspires to achieve global leadership by 2051.