Abu dhabi: The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative on Thursday announced the six finalist teams advancing to the final stage of Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, marking a key milestone following the announcement of qualifying teams in 2025.
According to Emirates News Agency, the finalists were selected from 21 qualifying teams, originating from an initial pool of 846 registered teams from 54 countries. These teams represent some of the most promising innovations identified for advancing water-efficient agriculture in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The finalists comprise a diverse international cohort offering innovative solutions. The UAE-based CRETA utilizes stable underground temperatures to cool incoming air via subsurface pipes, reducing the need for water in controlled environments. UAE-based Raincatcher enhances root-zone moisture retention, enabling soils to retain water for longer periods. Egypt's Agri-vit presents a bio-fertilizer that strengthens plants to withstand heat and salinity while reducing water requirements.
Brazil's Krilltech uses nanotechnology with a natural bio-stimulant to improve crop resilience and water-use efficiency. Argentina-based M4Life has developed customized microbial solutions that enhance plant water uptake, aiding crops in tolerating drought and salinity. India's EF Polymer transforms fruit waste into a natural soil additive, allowing crops to thrive with less water in desert conditions.
The teams are now progressing into the real-world testing phase, where their technologies will undergo piloting and evaluation through indoor and outdoor agricultural trials in the UAE in the coming months. Trials will be held at Silal's Innovation Oasis R and D facility in Al Ain, a center dedicated to advancing the UAE's agri-food sector.
The winning team and runners-up are expected to be announced by the end of 2026. The challenge, launched by The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA); Silal, Abu Dhabi's leading agri-food and technology company; ASPIRE, the innovation acceleration arm of Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC); and Zayed for Good Foundation, offers a prize purse of AED8 million.
Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, expressed pride in the diverse group of innovators advancing to the final stage. She emphasized the urgent need for action on water scarcity given agriculture's significant share of global freshwater use.
Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Director-General of Zayed For Good Foundation, highlighted the Foundation's commitment to enhancing water resource management efficiency, aligning with its strategy prioritizing agricultural sustainability, food security, and water security.
Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director-General for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs at ADAFSA, noted that the selection of these innovations as finalists is a significant milestone reflecting their readiness for practical application within the UAE's agricultural environment.
Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group CEO of Silal, stated that the finalist teams demonstrate the type of applied innovation needed to support farmers and strengthen food security in water-scarce environments.
Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, remarked on the importance of this stage where innovation meets reality, ensuring the solutions are rigorously validated under real UAE conditions for real-world impact.
To view the full list of finalist teams and learn more about Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, visit: www.mohamedbinzayedwi.ae/al-miyah-challenge-for-agriculture