Launch platform "Gulfood for startups" To enable the new generation of food innovations
Dubai, January 20 / WAM / Gulfood 2026, the largest global event in the food and beverage sector, announced the launch of the “Gulfood Startups” platform, as a specialized global platform to support high-growth food technology companies and enable them to expand to international markets from Dubai.
The launch of the platform comes at a time when the global food economy is witnessing rapid growth, with its value expected to reach $11.37 trillion by 2030, driven by the growing role of emerging companies in innovating new solutions across production, processing and distribution chains.
The Gulfood Startup Platform will bring together more than 250 global thought leaders and innovators to showcase innovations covering the entire food value chain, from source to market, and include next-generation proteins, microfermentation, third-generation plant-based products, water-based frying technologies, predictive food intelligence powered by artificial intelligence, as well as automated supply chain systems.
Trixie Loh Mirmand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at the Dubai World Trade Centre, said in a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the Gulfood Startup Platform provides founders with direct access to global buyers, investors, distributors and policy makers within one interconnected system, noting that the “Global Startup Challenge in Agri-Food Technology” reflects the centre’s commitment to accelerating high-impact innovation and promoting sustainable business growth.
The challenge witnesses live competitions over three days, with total prizes amounting to $135,000, in cooperation with the Dubai Multi Commodities Center and the India-Middle East Agri-Food Alliance, where entries are evaluated according to the criteria of innovation, scalability, market suitability, and environmental and economic impact.
For his part, Ahmed bin Sulayem, the first CEO and executive director of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, said in a statement to WAM that the partnership with Gulfood through the Gulfood Startups platform contributes to linking promising companies to global food value chains and enhancing their access to investors and international markets, thus supporting the consolidation of Dubai’s position as a global platform for food security and sustainable innovation.
The UAE enhances the environment for the launch and expansion of food and beverage companies, with the local market expected to reach about $44 billion by 2029, supported by population growth, consumer demand, advanced regulatory frameworks, and government investments in food security and sustainability.
The “Gulfood for Startups” events are scheduled to be held from January 26 to 30, 2026, as part of the “Gulfood 2026” exhibition in Dubai.
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