Gulfood Launches Dedicated Startup Platform to Accelerate Global Food-Tech Innovation
Gulfood, the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, has announced the launch of Gulfood Startups, a new platform designed to propel food-tech companies from Dubai onto the global stage.
This dedicated initiative responds to a global food economy accelerating toward a projected value of $11.37 trillion by 2030, where startups are increasingly driving breakthroughs in production, processing, and distribution.
The platform will showcase over 250 innovators presenting cutting-edge solutions across the entire food chain. Key focus areas include next-generation proteins, precision fermentation, Plant-Based 3.0, AI-powered predictive food intelligence, and automated supply-chain systems.
“Gulfood Startups offers founders something few markets can: direct access to global buyers, investors, distributors, and policymakers in a single, connected environment,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre.
A cornerstone of the platform is the World Agri-FoodTech Startup Challenge, featuring one of the largest prize funds of its kind. In partnership with DMCC and the India Middle East Agri-Alliance (IMEAA), startups will compete for a $135,000 prize, judged on innovation, scalability, market relevance, and impact.
“Through our partnership, DMCC is connecting high-potential startups from across the global food value chain with international markets, investors, and commercial partners,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC. “This focuses on helping credible solutions scale, from next-generation proteins to AI-powered food intelligence.”
The UAE’s conducive environment, with its food and beverage market projected to hit $44 billion by 2029, supports this push. Rapid growth, strong demand, progressive regulation, and sustained government investment in food security create an ideal launchpad for innovation.
