250+
Startups
150+
Investors
198
Participating Countries
Gulfood’s first-ever Startups showcase brings together a dynamic new food ecosystem, featuring global founders, investors, futurists and F&B leaders who will define what happens next in the business of food.
Here, innovators are pushing boundaries: from AI-powered operations in kitchens and supply chains, to biotech breakthroughs and precision-fermented proteins, to food science innovations that make production smarter, safer, and more sustainable. Every solution is tackling real-world challenges and expanding what’s possible in food and hospitality.
DISCOVER NEXT-GEN FLAVOURS.
EXPERIENCE NEXT-LEVEL TECH AT GULFOOD STARTUPS 2026.
THE INVESTOR PROGRAMME
A streamlined access point to high-potential ventures and emerging disruptors across food and tech. The investor programme is designed to surface companies with strong growth indicators, scalable models, and clear market opportunity, giving investors a focused pipeline of credible prospects.
PARTICIPATING INVESTORS
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
)
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
CONFERENCES DRIVING FOOD TECH
Spanning five days of cutting-edge insights, this curated program showcases the global AgriFoodTech ecosystem's most promising opportunities, breakthrough technologies, and strategic investment trends. From the highly anticipated 2025 Food500 unveiling to deep-dive sessions on alternative proteins, AI-powered food production, and MENA's emerging role as a food innovation hub, this is where the future of food takes shape. Featuring live pitch competitions, investor panels, fireside chats with industry pioneers, and exclusive networking with 100+ global startups exhibiting on the show floor.
WORLD AGRI-FOODTECH STARTUP CHALLENGE
The world’s eyes are on the next transformation in food and it’s happening at Gulfood 2026.
Bold startups are taking the stage to reveal game-changing solutions and products in the realms of AI, biotech, and food science. These breakthroughs will transform kitchens, supply chains, and dining experiences across the globe.
Investors, industry leaders and futurists come together to witness ideas turn into the innovations that will re-engineer the food industry.
MEET THE JUDGES POWERING THE WORLD AGRI-FOODTECH STARTUPS CHALLENGE
TAKING PLACE AT DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
LAYING THE ARCHITECTURE THAT A MORE RESILIENT FOOD ECONOMY NOW DEMANDS.
INNOVATIVE FOOD PRODUCTS
FOOD TECH SOLUTIONS
SUSTAINABILITY-ORIENTED SOLUTIONS
RETAIL TECH
AGRITECH
ROBOTICS & HARDWARE SOLUTIONS
OPERATIONAL TECH
STARTUP INNOVATIONS IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY
NotCo – Democratized Plant-Based Eating in LATAM
NotCo introduced AI-generated dairy and meat alternatives across Latin America, making plant-based options more accessible and familiar. It's now powering menus in Burger King and Starbucks in multiple countries.
Apeel Sciences – Prolonged Shelf Life Without Refrigeration
Apeel’s natural coating tech reduced spoilage by weeks for avocados, citrus, and cucumbers in stores like Kroger and Edeka. This directly cut food waste and improved profit margins for fresh produce.
Too Good To Go – Diverted Millions of Meals from Landfills
The app has saved over 300 million meals from being thrown away by connecting surplus food with consumers. It’s now active in 17+ countries, creating real impact in sustainability.
Infarm – Made Fresh Herbs Hyperlocal
By installing mini vertical farms inside retailers like Marks & Spencer and Edeka, Infarm allowed consumers to buy herbs grown right in the store, reducing transport emissions and ensuring freshness.
Wasteless – Saved Retailers Money & Reduced Waste
Wasteless has helped supermarkets cut up to 40% of food waste in pilot stores by offering AI-based dynamic pricing on products nearing expiry — benefiting both the retailer’s bottom line and the planet.
Nuro – Changed the Economics of Grocery Delivery
Nuro’s fully autonomous vehicles completed thousands of deliveries for Kroger and Domino’s, cutting delivery costs and allowing 24/7 service, especially in suburban areas where traditional last-mile logistics are expensive.
AgShift – Reduced Human Error in Food Quality Checks
Their AI-based quality inspection system replaced slow and inconsistent manual food grading with precise, standardised checks for nuts, berries, and seafood — boosting trust between suppliers and buyers.
STARTUP PROGRAMME PARTNER
INVESTOR NETWORK PARTNERS
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
)
){kind=logo}