UAE-based urban indoor vertical farming startup KRISPR, has raised $600,000 in pre-seed funding from Dubai-based family office KAIZEN.T

The agritech startup aims to shorten the fresh produce supply chain by addressing the traditional agricultural challenges such as harsh climate conditions, water scarcity and non-arable land. The company uses its technology to grow high-quality fresh produce within aeroponic indoor controlled environments without the use of pesticides and herbicides. 

“The post-Covid-19 environment has clearly demonstrated the need for localised supply chains, especially for essential goods and services, and KRISPR is committed to tackling the GCC region’s food security challenges head-on,” said Khadija Hasan, founder and chief executive officer at KRISPR. “While we address a critical consumer need for clean and nutritious food, we are also excited to partner with hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets across the GCC region to deliver high-quality, fresh, and beyond organic produce locally.”

The company plans to use the newly raised funds in setting up its urban indoor vertical farming pilot in Dubai Investment Park.

“It may sound a bit grandiose to talk of providing fresh, clean and chemical-free food everywhere in the world, but then clean and nutritious food is a real challenge and we all must have the courage to recognise it for what it is and also have the courage to dream the big dream and then make it happen,” said Ameer Hamza Hassan, chairman at KAIZEN. “I strongly believe that KRISPR and others like it are going to meet this challenge and we on our part have an obligation to support this effort.”