Akorn Technology, Inc. has emerged as a winner of the UAE FoodTech Challenge, standing out from 1,215 applications across 113 countries. The Berkeley-based startup will share in a $2 million prize pool and gain access to the UAE’s innovation ecosystem, a significant boost as it works to scale its edible coating technology designed to reduce fresh produce waste and extend shelf life.
The recognition highlights the growing urgency around food sustainability, particularly in climate-stressed markets where heat, logistics constraints, and limited cold-chain infrastructure lead to high levels of food loss. Akorn’s solution focuses on protecting fresh fruits and vegetables after harvest, helping maintain quality for longer without relying on heavy processing or additives.
For Akorn, the challenge win is both validation and opportunity. Founder and CEO Anthony Zografos, Ph.D. described the moment as an affirmation of the company’s mission to tackle one of the world’s most persistent problems food loss at scale. Access to the UAE’s food innovation networks, pilots, and partners could accelerate real-world deployment in regions where impact is most needed.
The UAE FoodTech Challenge has increasingly positioned itself as a global platform for commercially viable sustainability solutions, connecting startups with policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. Akorn’s selection underscores how science-led food technologies are moving from the lab to market, with the potential to reshape how fresh produce is preserved, distributed, and consumed.
