- Founded by Asrar Damdam, Uvera aims to drastically cut food waste and extend shelf-life using innovative biotech solutions like Aurora.
- ]Aurora uses ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light and vacuum sealing to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce by up to 97% in just 30 seconds.
- With recognition from MBRIF, it is poised to transform food preservation, reduce waste, and align with global sustainability goals.
In the intricate puzzle of global food sustainability, one critical piece is reducing food waste. Every year, approximately one-third of all food produced globally—about 1.3 billion tons—ends up as waste.
Not to forget that, this wastage contributes to about 8%-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a pressing environmental concern.
This colossal loss has severe implications for our environment, economy, and food security. Uvera is the coroner piece that fits perfectly in the puzzle.
Uvera is a Saudi Arabian biotech startup that has taken an interesting approach to reducing food waste and extending the shelf-life of fresh produce.
The company is founded by Asrar Damdam, who has developed a bio-tech product, that promises to restructure how we preserve food.
The Puzzle Piece Mission
Uvera aims to tackle this problem head-on with their product: Aurora.
It is an AI-powered device that can extend the shelf-life of fresh food by up to 97% within just 30 seconds, without using chemicals.
This innovation reduces food waste and helps preserve the sensory qualities of food such as taste, texture, and aroma.
Aurora combines ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light and vacuum sealing to achieve these results. After all, UV-C light is known for its germicidal properties, effectively eliminating harmful microorganisms that cause spoilage.
The process is simple: users place food items in a special container, insert them into the device, and in just 30 seconds, the food's shelf-life is significantly extended.
Uvera: The Unique Fit
Asrar Damdam, the founder of Uvera had started her journey with a passion for bridging the gap between scientific innovation and practical application.
She has a background in electro-physics with a deep interest in UV technology. But what made her inspired? A research paper on the effects of UV light on food preservation.
This inspiration led to the development of Uvera and its product which has garnered attention for its potential to drastically cut down on food waste and enhance food safety.
It was officially established in June 2019 at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Research and Technology Park in Saudi Arabia.
The startup has since been recognized as part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) accelerator program, underscoring its potential impact on the food industry.
It is worth noting that their mission also aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 12.3, which aims to halve per capita global food waste by 2030.
Flash of Finished Puzzle
In recent news, Uvera has been gearing up for a significant commercial launch. As of January 2023, the company has raised substantial pre-sales revenue and is working towards finalizing its product for a broader market release.
They are currently in the manufacturing phase, with operations in Taiwan, Turkey, and Egypt. Damdam and her team are also looking to expand into the UAE, signaling a growing footprint for the startup in the Middle East and beyond.
One of the unique aspects of Uvera's business model is its hardware-enabled software-as-a-service (HESaaS) approach.
This model involves selling the Aurora device while generating recurring revenue through additional storage containers. Along with that a mobile app that tracks food inventory and shelf-life.
For retailers, Uvera offers a subscription model that includes both hardware and software, helping businesses manage inventory more effectively and reduce food wastage.
As understood, the company's focus is on sustainability, coupled with its commitment to innovation.
With this, they are on their journey to position themselves as a leader in the fight against food waste.
As it continues to expand and refine its technology, it promises to be a game-changer in the jigsaw puzzle of the way we think about food preservation and waste reduction.
Edited By Annette George
