Dubai’s KRISPR Secures $600K in Funding to Establish Vertical Farm Pilot Project

KRISPR, a Dubai-based urban indoor vertical farming startup has just secured a sum of $600,000, which they plan to use towards establishing a vertical farming pilot inside Dubai Investment Park.

The pre-seed funding investment is led by UAE-based KAIZEN FZCO, and will help KRISPR commercially test baby greens, herbs, tomatoes, and strawberries within an aeroponic, indoor controlled environment. The goal of the startup is to grow high quality, beyond organic produce in a sustainable way without the use of any pesticides and herbicides to sell to the Dubai market.

Their unique farming approach addresses a gap in the food market in the UAE, where 80% of the country’s fresh produce is imported because of the harsh climate, water scarcity, and non-arable land. 

In a press statement, Khadija Hasan, KRISPR Founder and Chief Executive Officer explains that “the post-COVID-19 environment has clearly demonstrated the need for localized supply chains, especially for essential goods and services, and KRISPR is committed to tackling the GCC region’s food security challenges head-on. 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.”