Abu dhabi: The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative has announced the qualifying teams that will advance to the next stage of the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture, the inaugural competition in a series under its Al Miyah Challenge programme. These teams were selected from a competitive pool of international applicants from 54 countries, with innovations aimed at reducing water consumption in agriculture while maintaining or increasing crop yields, which is vital for water-scarce regions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 21 qualifying teams represent a global cohort from 13 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These teams include startups, established enterprises, and research groups focused on addressing water-related agricultural challenges. Their innovative solutions range from precision irrigation and AI-driven analytics to biodegradable water-retention materials and atmospheric water generation. This announcement marks the first major milestone of the Challenge, following the registration deadline on June 30, 2025.
The selected teams will now pitch their proposed solutions to a panel of judges starting this month. Following the pitches and site visits in the UAE and internationally, a select group will be invited to pilot their technologies for indoor and outdoor farming solutions in the UAE from November 2025. Finalists will be announced in January 2026, with the winners and runners-up revealed in December 2026. The competition supports the real-world testing of novel approaches, including smart irrigation and circular water use systems.
Launched in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), ASPIRE, and Silal Food and Technology, the Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture offers a prize purse of AED 8 million. It seeks solutions ready for field application in the UAE and scalable in arid and water-scarce regions. The global participation underscores the importance of collaboration at the intersection of water and agriculture, bringing together a diverse group of problem-solvers.
Ayesha Al Ateeqi, Executive Director of The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, expressed delight at the international interest and innovative technologies, highlighting the opportunity to address global water scarcity through agriculture. Dhafer AlQasimi, Group CEO of Silal, emphasized the critical challenge of water scarcity in agriculture and the need for innovation and collaboration to improve water efficiency and food security.
Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi of ADAFSA noted the qualification of innovative teams as a significant step towards practical solutions for water scarcity, aligning with the UAE's strategic objectives for food security and sustainability. Stephane Timpano, CEO of ASPIRE, stressed the importance of proving innovation in real-world settings, reflecting their mission to advance sustainable water use in agriculture.
For more information and to view the full list of qualifying teams, visit: www.mohamedbinzayedwi.ae/al-miyah-challenge-for-agriculture