Goumbook, a leading social enterprise driving sustainability and climate action across the MENAT region, has announced the semi-finalists for the second cohort of the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme. Launched in partnership with Saudi Awwal Bank and HSBC Bank Middle East, and supported by the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Food and the Climate Champions Team, the programme has garnered unprecedented global interest.
With 510 registrations from 80 research and academic institutions across 65 countries—a 223% increase from its first cohort—the programme has selected 20 groundbreaking, research-driven solutions to advance. These innovative approaches address the region’s most pressing agricultural and environmental challenges, aiming to drive climate resilience and sustainable food systems.
MENAT’s Climate Challenges and the Role of Regenerative Agriculture
The MENAT region faces some of the world’s most severe climate pressures. According to the World Bank, 89% of the land is classified as drylands, with over 45% affected by desertification. More than half of all land and a quarter of arable land have suffered soil degradation in the past two decades, resulting in a 40% loss in vegetation. Temperatures are rising at 1.5 times the global average, and salt-affected soils now cover over 2.3 million square kilometers, threatening agricultural productivity.
Despite these challenges, the region holds immense untapped scientific potential and a rich history of climate-resilient farming. The MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme harnesses this potential, supporting researchers and scientists in developing scalable solutions for land restoration, food and water security, and long-term climate resilience.
Bridging Science, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
Samantha Kayruz, Strategy and Sustainability Impact Director at Goumbook, highlighted the programme’s transformative impact:
“The overwhelming response to this year’s cohort demonstrates the urgent need for regionally relevant agricultural solutions. The programme is bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world implementation, positioning the MENAT region as a global hub for climate-resilient agriculture.”
This year’s semi-finalists include researchers, scientists, and entrepreneurs working on solutions spanning organic and bio-fertilizers, agri-robotics, climate-resilient crops, agrivoltaics, biotech, AI-powered early disease detection, and sustainable livestock systems. Their work highlights how homegrown innovation can tackle local challenges while offering globally applicable solutions.
Meet the Semi-Finalists
- Actinobacteria (Ibn Zohr University, Morocco)
- AOS AI’griculture (Turkey)
- AquaShade Oasis (University of Jordan)
- Bactorhiza (Egypt)
- BlueBounty ProMix (India/UAE)
- DiseaseExpert (Oman)
- ECOVER (Morocco)
- Endophyte Biofertilizers (Dhofar University, Oman)
- Farm to 2Fs (Estidamah, Saudi Arabia)
- FertiSolo (KAUST, Saudi Arabia)
- Indigenous Silvopasture (Qassim University, Saudi Arabia)
- Microfluidics System (NYU Abu Dhabi, UAE)
- No-Till Seeder (University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Morocco)
- OZ-TECH (Heliopolis University, Egypt)
- RedDot Red Palm Weevil (United Kingdom/UAE)
- Smart Relay-Intercropping (ICARDA, Morocco)
- SmartAgri-AIoT (Egypt)
- TarLab Biyoteknoloji (Turkey)
- VerdiSol (UAE)
These projects were evaluated based on six key criteria: alignment with regenerative agriculture principles, scientific credibility, regional relevance, uniqueness, environmental and socio-economic impact, and scalability.
Next Steps: The Road to Riyadh
The semi-finalists will now embark on an intensive Bootcamp 1, featuring expert mentorship and training sessions aimed at strengthening their sustainability, regenerative, and entrepreneurial skills. This capacity-building phase will help refine their solutions for practical implementation.
Following this phase, the Top 10 Finalists will be selected to pitch their projects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 15th 2025. The top three winners will receive grant funding, incubation support, and direct collaboration opportunities with leading agricultural stakeholders in the region.
Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder and Managing Director at Goumbook, emphasized the importance of empowering regional solutions:
“The solutions to MENAT’s agricultural challenges already exist within the region. Our role is to create the right conditions for these innovations to thrive. By fostering collaboration, the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Initiative is nurturing a new generation of changemakers who will redefine climate-resilient farming.”
Driving Global Impact
As climate challenges intensify, the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme is positioning the region as a leader in sustainable agriculture. The solutions emerging from this initiative are not only designed for extreme heat, water scarcity, and land degradation but also offer scalable models for global climate adaptation, soil restoration, and food security.
To learn more about the MENAT Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme, explore the semi-finalists, and stay updated on upcoming milestones, visit:
🔗 www.MENATRegenerativeAgriculture.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Regenerative Agriculture Venture Programme
Together, we can drive the future of regenerative agriculture in the MENAT region and beyond.