Who powers Unbreakable Harvest
Innovation Oasis (iO)
Innovation Oasis is Silal’s R&D venture engine, built to advance global food security. The 34 hectare state-of-the-art facility is purposefully situated in one of Earth’s toughest environments, enabling agri-tech innovators to validate solutions against the same extreme conditions threatening food systems around the world.
By integrating with Silal’s expansive infrastructure and networks, iO delivers an end-to-end platform to accelerate ideas through incubation, validation, venture clienting, and investment. With this singular mandate, iO is defining the new global standard in future-resilient food systems, for the UAE and beyond.
Silal
Silal is Abu Dhabi’s leading agri-food and technology company, focused on strengthening food security through innovation, sustainable agriculture, and supply chain development.
Established in 2020 and part of ADQ, Silal works to diversify food sources, enhance local production, and build more resilient food systems across the UAE and beyond. Its activities span procurement, distribution, and research and development, alongside programs that support farmers and advance desert agriculture.
ADQ
ADQ is an active sovereign investor established in 2018, focused on critical infrastructure and global supply chains. As a strategic partner to the Government of Abu Dhabi, ADQ invests in business platforms that drive long-term value and support economic development across the Emirate.
With total assets of USD 251 billion as of December 2024, ADQ’s portfolio spans key sectors including energy, transport and logistics, food and agriculture, healthcare, financial services, and sustainable manufacturing. Its food and agriculture investments include companies such as Louis Dreyfus Company, Unifrutti, Agthia, Al Dahra, Lulu, and Silal.
We have worked closely with…
Have a specific question? Check our FAQs below or register for one of our FAQ sessions to ask us directly.
Hear directly from the Innovation Oasis team about the platform, the challenge areas, and what we’re looking for our first Cohorts. Our Q&A webinars are open to any founder or team considering applying.
FAQs
This platform is designed for growth-stage startups with proven technologies, not early-stage companies building from scratch. The focus is on validating and localizing solutions in real operating conditions, and building a clear pathway to commercial adoption with Silal and its partners.
Participation does not require giving up equity. Each cohort includes only 3 to 5 companies, allowing for a more tailored and hands-on approach. Rather than standardized programming, each startup works on a defined pilot aligned to real business needs, with the goal of creating long-term commercial partnerships.
No. Silal does not take equity as a condition of participation. Participants do agree to a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) on commercial deployment within the GCC for 12 months post-pilot. You retain full freedom to commercialise globally. Full terms are outlined in the programme agreement.
No. However, we prioritize startups that are committed to building a meaningful presence in the UAE and the broader GCC region.
The platform is designed to be flexible, but in-person engagement is an important part of the experience. Startups are expected to spend time on the ground where needed to work closely with Silal teams, partners, and stakeholders. The level of in-market presence will depend on the specific requirements of each project.
Participants can expect a structured engagement over 3 to 5 months. This includes a combination of in-person time and ongoing collaboration with Silal teams.
During active phases of the pilot, startups should expect regular working sessions with business units and project stakeholders, as well as time upfront to scope and define the pilot.
The platform is designed to enable pilots and commercial opportunities, but outcomes are not guaranteed.
Each engagement is structured to give startups the best opportunity to validate their solution and build a case for adoption. Where pilots are successful, Silal will work with startups to explore next steps, including potential commercial agreements or longer-term partnerships.
Applications for the first cohorts are open until June 12, 2026. The application form is available on this page.
Additional guidance will be shared through upcoming information sessions.
Please submit all application materials in English. The program will be conducted in English, and no Arabic language knowledge is required to participate.
Upcoming FAQ Sessions
June 2, 2026Ready to fast-track the future of food security?
Apply NowStop pitching, start piloting. Applications close June 12, 2026