The UAE Space Agency has launched a million-dollar competition for ideas that address climate change and food security, in partnership with the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE).

On 23 October, the agency announced AED4m ($1.09m) in funding, under its Space Analytics & Solutions (SAS) programme at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The programme invites scientists, entrepreneurs, academics and innovators to submit "technically feasible, scaleable and innovative ideas using data gathered from outer space to create services that support agricultural or environmental practices".

Sarah bint Yousef al-Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and chair of the UAE Space Agency, said: "We are seeking competitive proposals that are original, feasible, scalable and backed by meticulous research and analysis."

Proposals need to be submitted before 15 January 2022. Six submissions will be shortlisted to pitch in front of a committee of experts in February.

Ultimately, two winners be selected and will receive up to AED2m each in funding, technical support, assistance from leading experts, and the means to secure commercial partnerships and reach customers.

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