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Experience Innovation and Growth Green Shoots Startup Programme 

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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.

Location - Za'abee Hall 2 at the Green Shoots Startup Zone

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Three days of Innovation, Pitch Competitions, & Networking

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Join us at The Green Shoots Startup Zone for three days of compelling panel discussions, dynamic pitch competitions, and invaluable networking opportunities. Discover the latest trends, engage with industry leaders, and connect with promising startups as they showcase their ideas. Don’t miss out on this chance to display your expertise and expand your professional network.

Winners to be announced on 25th September
Location - Za'abee Hall 2 at the Green Shoots Startup Zone

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SHORLISTED STARTUPS

MEET SOME OF OUR INNOVATIVE STARTUPS

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FAQ

How can I apply to Green Shoots?

Applications are now closed

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?

Applications are now closed

How can I apply?

Applications are now closed

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 September 16th, 2024.

 

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.

Supported By

Ministry of economy

Co-Produced by

coproduced by

LANYARD SPONSOR

Gulfood Green 2024 - Lanyard Sponsor


 

 

 

 


 

 

 

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