Al Miyah Challenge
for Agriculture

Zero-water cooling for protected agriculture, using stable underground temperatures to reduce heat load.

Description
CRETA Group draws hot desert air through underground channels to pre-condition it, using the soil’s stable temperature before it enters a dual-shell “Mother Greenhouse.” This approach targets cooling-related water loss directly, enabling zero water used for cooling and achieving a reported 12–15°C temperature reduction in pilot testing, with minimal energy demand for controlled airflow.

Root-zone water retention that makes every drop more effective, reducing plant water strain in arid soils.

Description
Raincatcher’s solution is applied beneath the root zone using a dedicated injection tool, where the material absorbs irrigation or rainfall and gradually releases water back to roots, reducing losses from evaporation and deep drainage and supporting stronger root development.

Custom microbes that help soil retain water and release it gradually.

Description
M4Life has developed custom microbes that retain water in soil and release it gradually. This supports crops in drought and salinity conditions by improving how moisture is stored and made available over time.

Nanotechnology that optimizes plant physiology and helps crops grow more while wasting less water.

Description

Krilltech’s technology uses carbon nanoparticles to support internal plant processes linked to water-use efficiency and resilience, helping plants better manage water loss and maintain energy production. In field studies in Brazil, the technology reportedly strengthened agricultural water productivity by helping crops hold performance under heat and limited water, delivering higher tomato productivity with lower irrigation demand compared to conventional treatment.

A biodegradable superabsorbent polymer designed to be mixed into soil that holds water and nutrients.

Description
EF Polymer advances a natural soil additive that absorbs water and stores it near plant roots. As the soil dries, the stored water is slowly released to the plant, extending moisture availability between irrigation events.

A foliar treatment that strengthens plant resilience, supporting stable yields with less irrigation.

Description
Agri-Vit’s solution is applied as a foliar treatment designed to enhance a plant’s natural ability to cope with water strain and challenging conditions, helping plants retain water more effectively and recover faster. By improving crop response at the biological level, the approach offers to support stable or improved yields using less irrigation water, without requiring changes to irrigation infrastructure.