levelUP Agritech Innovation Challenge

Food Innovation Program for Startups

Application Closed

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Program Overview
LevelUP Innovation in Agriculture & Food


A program designed to empower KF entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups with tools to accelerate innovation, build local food supply chain resilience, and drive scalable solutions in agriculture.

 

 

Anticipated Outcomes:

  • 2 months of specialized learning with industry experts.
  • Market access & networking events for up to 10 selected SMEs/startups, including matchmaking with investors, buyers, and partners.
  • Business model reinvention support to scale operations.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Agritech startups/SMEs based in Abu Dhabi OR UAE/international startups willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi.
  • Tech-driven, scalable solutions (prototype required).
  • Stage: Early Seed (prototype-ready) to Pre-Series A.
  • 8–10 startups will be shortlisted.

 

Focus Areas:

  • Energy & water efficiency in agriculture.
  • IoT platforms for farm monitoring/management.
  • Ag biotech in food production.
  • Disease identification & detection technologies.
  • Regenerative agriculture, soilless growing media.
  • Indoor farming innovations.
  • Food loss/waste management solutions.
  • Ag fintech and ag marketplaces.

 

Benefits:

  • 16+ hours of mentorship & training with industry specialists.
  • Product validation & investor readiness workshops.
  • Access to Khalifa Fund’s investor/buyer network.
  • Fast-track entry to partner accelerators for winners.

Shortlisting Criteria:

  • Team capability: Balanced, diversified team with execution capacity.
  • Problem: Clearly defined agricultural/food-related challenge.
  • Solution: Scalable, sustainable, and aligned with the problem.
  • Value proposition: Articulates what (product uniqueness), who (customers), and how (value delivery).
  • Prototype: Exists and demonstrates market fit.
  • Business model: Sustainable revenue/profit model.
  • Commitment: Willingness to operate from Abu Dhabi (if relocating).
  •    Shortlisting
       levelUp Forum & DemoDay
  •   +351911160181
  •   diana@stratecis.com

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