Singapore-based N&E Innovations has been awarded the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category. This recognition highlights the company’s efforts to reduce food waste and improve food safety through sustainable, circular solutions.
Founded by Didi Gan, N&E Innovations upcycles food waste into biodegradable antimicrobial coatings and packaging. Their patented ViKANG® technology is the first food-safe, biodegradable antimicrobial made entirely from upcycled food waste. It offers a cradle-to-shelf system that is both compostable and effective at maintaining freshness.
Field trials show that N&E’s solution kills 99.9% of bacteria, reduces bacterial counts by 4.5 times, and retains 90% of food freshness. Over 400,000 eco-friendly packs have been distributed, benefiting more than 80,000 consumers. Since launching, the company has upcycled two tonnes of food waste and helped reduce spoilage for retailers and producers.
Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, praised the company’s innovation: “N&E Innovations turns food waste into packaging solutions that reduce pollution and protect health, exemplifying how innovation supports a circular economy.”
Didi Gan, Founder and Managing Director, expressed pride in the award: “This win is for every woman daring to dream big and drive change through science. Our biodegradable, antibacterial packaging extends food shelf life and promotes sustainability from Singapore to the world.”
The $1 million prize will help N&E expand production and scale ViKANG® across Asia and the Middle East. The company plans to establish regional micro-manufacturing hubs, build B2B partnerships, and support rural communities. These efforts aim to reach over 1.2 million people and prevent around 10,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through greener packaging.
Since its inception, the Zayed Prize has supported 128 winners, positively impacting over 400 million lives worldwide and inspiring global innovation.
