People in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) have been invited to help develop solutions for regional food safety challenges.

The Regional Food Safety Research Network and Innovation Hub (RFSRNIH) is co-organizing a Hackathon, hosted by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) in Riyadh. RFSRIN was created by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

A hackathon is a program that gathers people with varied backgrounds and expertise in one location for a limited period to tackle complex scientific, technological, and societal challenges.

Hack4safefood
The event in September will provide technical support for scientists, coders, the private sector, and policymakers to create solutions for food safety problems. The aim is to enhance food safety by identifying and upscaling ideas tailored to local and/or regional needs.

Hack4safefood is a regional technology and event. Participants will have the chance to win a cash prize, join a six-month incubation program, and pitch at the FAO’s Science and Innovation Forum in Rome in October. Other opportunities include scholarships and internships. 

“This initiative will inform evidence-based policy development and accelerate practical technology solutions to improve food safety across the region,” said Faten Adada, from FAO’s NENA office.

Applicants must be from the North East and North Africa region and need to commit to the 2-day in-person event. A team should have no more than five members. An initial idea must be submitted by July 10.

Dr. Amani Alqahtani, director at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority, said the event will bring together multidisciplinary teams to address food safety challenges through practical, data-driven solutions. 

“We believe that empowering youth, researchers, and entrepreneurs with the tools of innovation is key to shaping a safer and more resilient food system – both regionally and globally.” 

Funding for projects
Meanwhile, a Horizon Europe-funded project focused on improving food safety in Africa has launched its first open call.

FS4Africa will provide support for at least 10 projects, each eligible for up to €60,000 ($69,000) in funding.

Applicants can propose either a new innovative solution or enhance existing ideas. Proposals must address food safety issues associated with weak channels for value chain organization, traceability and authentication; mycotoxin contamination in multiple food crops; pesticide residues in grains and vegetables; microbial contamination, or food adulteration.

Eligible groups include start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, research institutions, and organizations based in African countries. Deadline for applications is Sept. 30, 2025.Selected projects are expected to start in February 2026 and run for 12 months. Further details can be found here.