Considering that 820 million people sleep hungry on a global scale every single day, the initiative by food tech firm Winnow is a crucial step towards inclusive development.

Innovation has enabled the UAE and its neighbours in the gulf to achieve spectacular feats by creating a digital infrastructure, along with adoption of solutions like 3D printing and clean energy, which have paved the way for sustainable development in future-ready urban spaces. But even with a connected ecosystem and eco-friendly practices to cut down emissions for mitigating climate change, food security remains a major concern for the Middle East, prompting top economies in the region to work on tech-empowered agriculture in climate controlled enclosures.

From nano-clay to vertical farms monitored by drones as well as AI, and hydroponics which allow cultivation of plants alongside fish, researchers in the UAE are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the country relying on imports for 80% of its food, can become self-sufficient in the near future. At a time when the Emirates is focusing on tech that supports effective waste management, including a mechanism that converts trash into energy, a startup from the UK has arrived in the country to prevent food from ending up in the garbage can in the first place.

Considering that 820 million people sleep hungry on a global scale every single day, the initiative by food tech firm Winnow is a crucial step towards inclusive development, aided by responsible consumption, especially at eateries and hotels. The company has introduced an upgraded smart system, which automatically detects and flags food wastage, prompting chefs to adopt practices to make the most of their resources while preparing meals in advance.

The mechanism which previously relied on manual logging of food waste, is now empowered by AI and is being adopted by Emirati organisations like the Al Futtaim group and Emaar. As part of a challenge initiated by Winnow, hospitality firms in the UAE were able to save 1.5 million meals in 2018, and two million in 2019, through the innovative solution.