UAE Space Agency rolls out $1mn contest to tackle food & climate crisis

UAE Space Agency rolls out $1mn contest to tackle food & climate crisis

The UAE Space Agency has launched a new competition offering $1 million in funding for scientists, entrepreneurs, academics and innovators to bring out new ideas that tackle climate change and food security.

The competition, launched in partnership with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), aims to find technically feasible, scalable and innovative ideas using data gathered from space to create services that support agricultural or environmental practices. This could be using data to map and monitor greenhouse gas emissions or analyzing soil moisture levels to boost crop yields.

Six finalists will be invited to pitch their ideas in front of a committee of experts in February next year, from which the top two will be selected as the winners. They will each receive up to $544,484 in funding, technical support, assistance from leading experts, and help to secure commercial partnerships and reach customers.

The program also aims to enhance the competitiveness of the UAE space industry, encourage public-private partnerships, upskill talent and strengthen the national space ecosystem.

Sarah bint Yousif Al AmiriChairwomanUAE Space Agency

“Expo 2020 Dubai represents a unique opportunity to galvanize the world around global challenges and catalyze collaboration for a brighter future. Today we are taking a big