As part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to empower entrepreneurs in vital sectors and enhance national food security, the second edition of the Sunbolah Accelerator Program has officially launched, welcoming 13 innovative startups from 8 countries.
The cohort was selected from over 130 applicants and will undergo a three-month acceleration journey between Riyadh and Paris.
On this occasion, Munir bin Fahd Al Sahli, CEO of the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF), hosted the participating startups at the ADF headquarters in Riyadh.
He reaffirmed the Fund’s role as a key enabler of innovation in the Kingdom’s agricultural sector and a dedicated supporter of entrepreneurs through its financing programs—most notably, its startup innovation financing initiative.
Integrated Support for Growth and Expansion
Sunbolah is designed to accelerate the growth of startups developing technological solutions across the agricultural and food value chain.
The program offers a comprehensive business environment that includes training, mentorship, technical support, and investment matchmaking with venture capital firms, investors, and regulatory stakeholders.
The accelerator also provides real opportunities for market expansion across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and European markets.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to establish itself as a regional hub for agri-tech innovation, in line with the goals of Vision 2030—including digital transformation, the development of priority sectors, and the achievement of food security and sustainable resource management.
Global Interest and Promising Ventures
The program attracted global interest, with applications coming from the United States (26.25%), India, Argentina, Singapore, the UAE, Canada, and France, alongside a 30% local participation rate from within the Kingdom.
The selected startups were evaluated based on their growth potential, technological innovation, and alignment with real-world sector challenges.
The chosen startups cover a wide range of agri-food solutions—from production and packaging to distribution and smart farming technologies. Highlights include:
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4Climate (India): Controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) systems that boost water efficiency and productivity in arid climates.
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ANU (USA): NASA-inspired hydroponic farming units that enable food production in extreme environments with minimal resources.
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APOLO Biotech (Argentina): RNA-based crop protection as a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides.
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Arable (Saudi Arabia): Desert-adapted hydroponic systems using 80% local materials, reducing costs and improving deployment speeds.
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HORIZOONX (Saudi Arabia): AI-powered platform for optimizing F&B operations and improving efficiency.
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N&E Innovations (Singapore): ViKANG®—an antibacterial product made from food waste that safely extends shelf life.
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OpenFarming (UAE): Smart operating system that reduces food waste by 40% and achieves 99% order accuracy.
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PoultrySync (Saudi Arabia): Digital poultry supply chain management platform that enhances efficiency, traceability, and biosecurity.
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RyP Labs (USA): Natural, innovative labels that slow down spoilage of fresh produce and reduce food waste.
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Solena Ag (USA): AI-driven soil data analysis offering precision agriculture recipes and profit-sharing finance models.
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Uvera (Saudi Arabia): Chemical-free food preservation technology that extends shelf life in just 30 seconds, integrated with a smart inventory system.
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Verley (France): Sustainable dairy proteins produced through precision fermentation.
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Plantaform (Canada): Home-based smart farming system using “fogponics” (NASA-inspired tech) to grow fresh vegetables indoors.
Toward a Smart and Sustainable Food Ecosystem
The Sunbolah Program reflects the Kingdom’s strategic commitment to fostering agri-tech startups as a solution to global food and climate challenges.
By combining financing, capacity-building, and international partnerships, the program contributes to building a robust, competitive ecosystem in Saudi Arabia’s agri-food sector.
It also opens new opportunities for local and international entrepreneurs to develop globally competitive solutions tailored to local needs, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in sustainable innovation.
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