In this exclusive edition of Business Transformation Explained, we explored the technology aspect of food production, smart farming, food waste management and the ethical challenges we face together with a stellar panel of experts.
GCC is set to become the biggest exporter of food tech start-ups globally. With a natural environment that invites innovation and solution-oriented thinking, GCC is leading the way in fostering an ecosystem for food tech, agritech, and smart farming. With a global pandemic that dominated the year, food tech investments are on the rise, backed by accelerators and Government initiatives.
Our Speakers:
YOUSSOUF KAMAL – Innovation & Partnerships Manager @Plug ‘n’ Play
With a strong background as a consultant, Youssouf Kamal helped several countries in Africa formulate their agriculture development strategies. He spent the last 6 years in the innovation space, supporting governments to build their innovation ecosystems, and corporations strengthen their innovation capabilities. He is today leading Plug and Play efforts to have a positive impact on the food security objectives of the Middle Eastern countries, through innovation.
ROBERT KUPSTAS – Co-Founder @Pure Harvest
Robert Kupstas is the Co-founder of Pure Harvest Smart Farms and is an entrepreneur and technology consultant with over eight years’ experience in the infrastructure and controlled environment agriculture (CEA) sectors. Specializing in energy policy and economic analysis, Robert Kupstas has led research assignments and consulting engagements with leading global institutions including the International Renewable Energy Agency, the Singapore Energy Studies Institute, U.S. Department of State and the Queensland Investment Corporation.
JACEK PLEWA – CEO @Healthy Farm Food Innovation
Jacek Plewa is the CEO of Healthy Farm Food Innovation, a start-up entity set up under Albatha. Holding, one of the largest conglomerates in the UAE, to develop and promote range of healthy and nutritious products in line with health and wellness requirements of societies. Jacek’s wide knowledge, passion and vision, combined with his many years of experience, has helped number of companies to build sustainable business models behind the innovations
Moderator and Host:
GEORGE STOYANOV – Partner @Grant Thornton
Moderator
George is a Partner at Grant Thornton UAE, overseeing the Transformation Advisory practice. He has over 20 years of professional experience within advisory gained across projects in the Middle East, Europe and the United States.
DANIEL SOLOMON – CEO @EROE
Host
Daniel Solomon is the CEO and Delivery Advisor of EROE, a business and digital transformation agency with global operations in Dubai & San Francisco