Skip to main content

Calling all Food and AgriTech Startups

logo

Showcase your potential and propel your startup growth with $50K prize fund up for grabs

Join Gulfood Green now for your chance to compete for cash prize funds and invaluable investor networking, mentorship, and learning at our exciting new pitch competition. The Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition will pit the most exciting food and agtech startups head-to-head, as they pitch in front of a jury of world-leading VCs, corporates, and prominent industry experts, to be crowned 2024 champion.

Supported by the UAE Ministry of Economy, The Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition, is taking place across 3 action-packed days of panel sessions, workshops, and the pitch competition at Gulfood Green from 24 – 26 September 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre, and will accelerate the growth of the most promising startups within the sector.

BOOK YOUR ALL-INCLUSIVE POD NOW

Green Shoots

STARTUPS CONFIRMED

How can I apply?

To participate in the Green Shoots pitch competition, you must be an exhibiting startup at Gulfood Green 2024. Once you book your pod, you will then automatically be eligible to take part in the competition. A member of the Green Shoots team will get in touch directly to support you in your presentation development and help prepare you for the competition.

To apply, please complete the form by following the button below. One of our team will be in touch directly to secure your spot for Gulfood Green in 2024. 

Book your pod 

What's In It For You

The Green Shoots Competition: Your Launchpad to Success

Targeted Reach

Targeted
Reach

Gain access to a global audience of industry leaders, potential customers, and investors actively seeking the next generation of sustainable food solutions.
Launch Platform

Launch
Platform

The Startup Zone is your platform to take centre-stage and introduce your innovative agri-food tech solution to the world.
Investment Magnet

Investment
Magnet

Attract investment from leading sustainability and agri-food tech-focused funds seeking the next game-changing ideas. Secure the capital you need to scale your venture.
Networking & Partnerships

Networking & Partnerships

Build valuable connections with industry experts, potential partners, and fellow entrepreneurs in our vibrant agri-food tech community.

Showcase Your Impact Across These Pillars

 

FAQ

How can I apply to Green Shoots?

To participate in the Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition, you must be an exhibiting startup at Gulfood Green 2024. We will notify you via email once the Green Shoots Pitch Competition is open for applications for our 2024 edition. You can then submit your deck via Pitch Lounge who will support you through the process. Successful semi-finalists will be announced closer to the event.

Before applying for the pitch competition, please complete the startup pod exhibitor booking form by following the button below. One of our team will be in touch directly to secure your spot for Gulfood Green 2024.

BOOK YOUR POD

When is the Green Shoots Pitch Competition?

Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th September 2024 (Day 1 and Day 2 of the three-day Gulfood Green 2024).

What is the deadline to enter the Green Shoots pitch competition?

The deadline to apply via the Pitch Lounge website is 23.59 GST on Monday, 19th August.

How can I apply?

To enter the Green Shoots Startup Pitch Competition, you will need to be one of the exhibiting startups attending Gulfood Green 2024. The startups already registered to exhibit will be invited to apply for the competition via Pitch Lounge. After initially expressing your interest in the Pitch Competition, the Pitch Lounge team will be in contact with you to request your Pitch Deck, 60-second Pitch Video and further information required to score your application. Self-help resources are available via the links and other support is available from Pitch Lounge to help you prepare your application. Contact Pitch Lounge early to secure their support.  

Who are the pitch competition judges?

They are highly experienced, well-connected, and active FoodTech/AgriFood/F&B experts and startup-investor funding scouts, fund managers, and investors in their own right. The entire list of Jury Panelists will be announced soon and confirmed panelists announced on a rolling basis.

What are the prizes? 

USD 50,000 Prize Fund: secure vital funding to accelerate your startups’ growth and development.

Investor Introductions: showcase your businesses to a diverse group of international investors, enhancing your chances of securing additional investment and expert feedback.

Exclusive Networking: engage in one-to-one networking with industry leaders, advisors, and mentors, fostering valuable connections and collaborations.

Growth Strategies: dedicated workshops and panel discussions designed to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to scale your startup globally

If I win, what happens next?

The team will be in touch directly during Gulfood Green.

What is the live pitching format?

3 x semi final rounds, up to 5 per round, with top selected from each, top 3 going head-to-head in the final

5-minutes live pitch (followed by 3-5 minutes Q&A with the Judging Panel)

How many startups are pitching in the Green Shoots Pitch Competition?

Up to 15 startups will be shortlisted to participate in the Green Shoots Pitch Competition Semi-Finals with three selected startups advancing to the Green Shoots Pitch Competition Finals which will take place on Day 2 of Gulfood Green 2024.

If I am not shortlisted to participate in the semi-finals, what can I do?

If you are not shortlisted, there are still many opportunities for you:

  • Notify the organisers of your willingness to be on reserve for the Semi-Finals in case of startup withdrawals

  • Submit your Elevator Video Pitch in advance of the event and/or via the Pitch Lounge iPad stands during Gulfood Green 2024

  • Register for the workshops on pitching and other relevant startup support topics

  • Engage with the Pitch Competition Jury, other investors, and the wider Gulfood Green audience digitally and in-person during the three-day event

When will I find out if I have been shortlisted to pitch in the semi-finals?

The announcements of the shortlisted startups for the semi-finals will be announced on Tuesday, 27th August.

 

Who are the pitch competition judges?

They are highly experienced, well-connected, and active FoodTech/AgriFood/F&B experts and startup-investor funding scouts, fund managers, and investors in their own right. The entire list of Jury Panelists will be announced soon and confirmed panelists announced on a rolling basis.

Will shortlisted startups be provided a pitch rehearsal and/or live pitch coaching?

Yes. Shortlisted startups will each be afforded a 1-on-1 free coaching hour with the Pitch Lounge team to rehearse their live pitch.

What are the judging criteria?

The general judging criteria is broken down into five main areas. Please keep these in mind as you design your pitch deck, pitch video, and deliver your Semi-Final andinal pitches!

Innovation: How groundbreaking is the idea? Does it disrupt the status quo?

Market: Is there a clear market need? How big is the opportunity (size & growth)? Can it scale widely?

Business Model: Does the solution have a clear path to profitability? Who are their target customers and pricing strategy?

Traction: Have they achieved any early wins (revenue, customers, funding)?

Team: Does the team have the skills and experience to succeed?

Download the detailed judging criteria here 

If I was selected to pitch previously but wasn’t able to attend, am I entitled to spot in the semi-finals or finals?

No, in-person live pitching from the stage is essential at the Green Shoots Pitch Competition. No remote live pitching or pre-recorded, submitted, full-length video pitches are possible. There will be a new selection process each year. You will have to apply to be considered again. Similarly, if you are shortlisted for the Final after pitching in the Semi-Final but you miss the pitch, you will be replaced with the next runner-up.

LANYARD SPONSOR

Gulfood Green 2024 - Lanyard Sponsor

SILVER SPONSOR

 

Silver-Sponsor-Intertek-logo-Gulfood-Green

 

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

Frost and Sullivan

MEDIA PARTNERS


 

gg bas