Egyptian startup uses AI and duckweed to boost food security

An Egyptian startup is harnessing artificial intelligence and duckweed cultivation to develop sustainable protein sources and bolster food security in regions with limited water and arable land.

Operating out of a desert greenhouse, AlProtein grows duckweed — a nutrient-rich aquatic plant that can double in size within 24 hours — using a system that combines hydroponic farming, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and AI-powered analytics.

The company's Orion platform monitors growing conditions in real time, helping detect contamination risks, forecast greenhouse conditions, and determine optimal harvest times.

According to AlProtein, the technology has reduced production costs by up to 40% while increasing yields by around 20%.

The initiative was inspired by food supply disruptions following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which exposed vulnerabilities in countries highly reliant on agricultural imports.

Since duckweed thrives in brackish water and requires minimal land, the company believes it offers a practical solution for food production in harsh environments.

AlProtein is now developing the crop into protein ingredients for food products, with the goal of supporting long-term food security.