SINGAPORE SME WINS 2026 ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE FOR FOOD INNOVATION

_{2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony (Photo: AETOSWire)}

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Singapore-based small and medium enterprise (SME) N&E Innovations has been named the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize winner in the Food category, recognising its work in reducing food waste and improving food safety through circular innovation.

Founded by Didi Gan, the company upcycles food waste into biodegradable antimicrobial coatings and packaging designed to extend shelf life and cut post-harvest losses.

Its patented ViKANG technology is billed as the world’s first food-safe, biodegradable antimicrobial made entirely from upcycled food waste, according to a statement.

Field trials showed the solution achieved 99.9 per cent antimicrobial effectiveness, with significantly lower bacterial counts and up to 90 per cent freshness retention. To date, more than 400,000 sustainable packs have been distributed, benefiting over 80,000 people, while two tonnes of food waste have been diverted from disposal.

“The Zayed Sustainability Prize honours creative solutions that uplift communities and protect the environment,” said Zayed Sustainability Prize Executive Director, Dr Lamya Fawwaz, adding that N&E Innovations demonstrates how innovation can advance a circular economy.

Meanwhile, Gan, who is also N&E Innovations Managing Director, said the award validates the company’s mission to transform agricultural waste into practical, compostable food packaging solutions that support sustainability and food security.

The US$1 million prize will be used to scale production and expand ViKANG across Asia and the Middle East. Plans include setting up local micro-manufacturing hubs, growing business-to-business (B2B) partnerships in markets such as Malaysia, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, and supporting deployments in rural communities. (US$1=RM4.04)

Established 18 years ago, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has recognised 128 winners to date, collectively impacting more than 400 million lives worldwide.

-- BERNAMA