Gulfood has launched a new global startup platform aimed at placing Dubai at the centre of the fast-growing food innovation economy, as governments and investors accelerate efforts to build resilient, technology-driven food systems.
The Gulfood Startups initiative is designed to help high-growth food-tech companies scale internationally from the UAE, leveraging Dubai’s logistics strength, investor ecosystem and strategic location linking Asia, Africa and Europe. The launch comes as the global food economy advances toward a projected value of $11.37 trillion by 2030, with startups increasingly driving breakthroughs in alternative proteins, artificial intelligence, automation and sustainable production.
More than 250 founders and technology leaders are expected to showcase innovations ranging from precision fermentation and next-generation plant-based products to water-based frying technologies, AI-powered food intelligence and automated supply-chain systems. Companies including ANT Systems Nanotechnology, Brad Technology, Choco, Onego Bio, Polysense and Zeen Tech AG will present solutions aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability and food security across global markets.
Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of events management at Dubai World Trade Centre, said the platform is designed to embed founders directly into Gulfood’s buyer and investor ecosystem, enabling faster commercialisation by connecting startups with distributors, manufacturers, venture capital firms and policymakers in a single marketplace.
A key feature of the initiative is the World Agri-FoodTech Startup Challenge, developed in partnership with DMCC and the India Middle East Agri Alliance. Over three days of live pitching at the Gulfood NXT Stage, startups will compete for a $135,000 prize pool, with winners judged on innovation quality, scalability, market relevance and environmental and economic impact.
Ahmed bin Sulayem, executive chairman and chief executive of DMCC, said the partnership aims to connect high-potential food-tech startups with global markets and capital, building on Dubai’s established agri-food ecosystem and international trade connectivity. He said the initiative supports solutions spanning alternative proteins, precision fermentation, AI-driven food intelligence and advanced logistics technologies.
The Gulfood Investor Programme will further support growth by linking founders with strategic capital. Investors including Americana, Nuwa Capital, PeakBridge and Unovis are expected to gain early access to emerging technologies and high-impact ventures across the food value chain.
The launch aligns with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which prioritises investment in agri-tech, vertical farming, alternative proteins and digital supply chains to reduce import dependence and improve resilience. The country’s food and beverage market is projected to reach $44 billion by 2029, supported by population growth, rising consumption and sustained government backing.
Dubai’s port infrastructure, air cargo capacity and free-zone ecosystems have made the emirate an attractive testbed for food-tech startups seeking rapid market entry and regional expansion. Gulfood Startups will run from January 26 to 30 as part of Gulfood 2026 in Dubai.
- Dubai
