The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF), operated by the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), announced a disbursement of AED 5.5 million (USD 1.5 million) to UAE headquartered Pure Harvest. It is an Abu Dhabi-based agricultural startup founded in October 2016, focused on the production of greenhouse fruits and vegetables in arid climates using world-leading Dutch hydroponics and climate management technologies.Pure Harvest’s tech-enabled approach to arid climate agriculture is expected to create a positive shift in the agriculture industry in the region, by enabling fresh fruit and vegetable production all year-round, using advanced, resource-efficient growing methods and climate management technologies.

The current fund from MBRIF will be deployed towards construction and pre-production of Pure Harvest’s foundational, high-tech greenhouse in Nahel, UAE.

“We are pleased to support Pure Harvest. Producing fresh quality food using breakthrough technology, the business today is playing a critical role in advancing the UAE’s food security ambitions. As the Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund portfolio continues to grow, we proactively look to engage with entrepreneurs who are pushing the limits of innovation to bring unique solutions to today’s problems. We look forward to working closely with the team at Pure Harvest to help accelerate their growth here in the UAE and around the region, addressing food security issues,” said Haytham Kamhiyah, CEO of Emirates Development Bank.

In line with the UAE National Innovation Strategy, the MBRIF explores funding in innovative businesses in the fields of renewable energy, transportation, education, health, water, technology and space.

“Pure Harvest was launched with an ambition to offer true & tangible food security, helping the country’s mission toward self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. We invest in world-leading controlled-environment agriculture technologies to deliver consumers the absolute best quality produce. As a UAE-based business, we are honored to be supported by MBRIF and this strategic disbursement is instrumental in building our foundational high-tech greenhouse project, which will ultimately unlock future growth opportunities for us,” said Sky Kurtz, cofounder and CEO of Pure Harvest.