Mission Description
- Real-World Problem: Ensuring food security in desert climates is a pressing challenge as the region seeks to reduce reliance on imports. The UAE and Qatar have limited arable land and extreme heat, but they are turning to AgriTech innovation to grow more with less water. The UAE, for example, has invested $272 million in AgriTech and achieved year-round farming through methods like hydroponics and vertical farms – which can cut water usage by up to 90% compared to traditional farming. Drones have been used to plant millions of ghaf tree seeds for reforestation in the UAE’s deserts . Qatar, after facing blockade disruptions, also boosted local farming via greenhouse parks and hydroponic projects, all aligned with its National Vision 2030 goal of sustainability. The overarching problem is how to produce food in a hot, water-scarce environment while climate change brings more uncertainty. Mission Task: Engineer a smart farming solution for desert environments. This could be a miniature hydroponic farm controlled by sensors and AI – students can build a small vertical farming setup growing leafy greens using nutrient-rich water and automate it with IoT (monitoring pH, moisture, adjusting LED grow lights). Alternatively, a team might design a precision irrigation system for traditional farms: e.g. soil moisture sensors and an AI that predicts the best watering schedule, or even a drone system that surveys crop health and waters specific areas (simulated with a model field). The project deliverable is a working prototype or simulation demonstrating how technology maintains crop yield with minimal water.
- Key Skills: IoT and sensor networks (for environmental monitoring), programming (to automate controls or analyze data), basic agricultural science, possibly robotics or drone tech (if using autonomous devices), and data analytics (to optimize conditions or predict crop needs).
- Expected Impact: Smart agriculture designs will help grow more food with fewer resources, strengthening food security. A hydroponic or sensor-driven system can use up to 90% less water than soil farming , meaning sustainable fresh vegetables even in dry seasons. Students’ solutions support national priorities: the UAE’s Vision 2031 and Food Security Strategy aim for top-tier food security status , and Qatar’s vision emphasizes self-sufficiency and sustainable development. By innovating “desert-smart” farming, this mission yields a triple benefit – fresh local produce, efficient water use, and climate resilience. It’s a step toward greener oases that feed communities even as climate pressures mount.
Student Goal
Engineer a smart farming solution for desert environments. This could be a
miniature hydroponic farm controlled by sensors and AI – students can build a small vertical farming
setup growing leafy greens using nutrient-rich water and automate it with IoT (monitoring pH, moisture,
adjusting LED grow lights). Alternatively, a team might design a precision irrigation system for
traditional farms: e.g. soil moisture sensors and an AI that predicts the best watering schedule, or even
a drone system that surveys crop health and waters specific areas (simulated with a model field). The
project deliverable is a working prototype or simulation demonstrating how technology maintains crop
yield with minimal water.
Mission Information
Status
Open
Deadline
December 31, 2025
Category
Corporate
Grade
—
Rewards
Recognition, Internships, Prizes
Presented by
Ready to Join This Mission?
Take on the challenge and make a difference with Climate-Resilient Agriculture.