Metalchemy Wins Web Summit Qatar PITCH Competition for Tackling Food Waste with Nanotechnology
- Metalchemy wins the Web Summit Qatar PITCH competition thanks to its innovative nanotechnology that extends the shelf life of food products and reduces food waste.
- The company leverages silver nanoparticles derived from natural ingredients such as oregano to prevent bacterial growth and keep food fresh for longer.
- Web Summit Qatar 2025 Welcomes 25,747 Attendees from 124 Countries, making it the largest gathering of startups in the Middle East.
Metalchemy secured the Web Summit Qatar PITCH award after surpassing Earlybean from Nigeria and Fortyguard from the UAE in the final round. A total of 35 startups competed in group-stage rounds over three days, leading to the selection of three finalists.
Revolutionizing Food Preservation with Silver Nanoparticles
Metalchemy is committed to combating food waste by extending the shelf life of perishable food products through its groundbreaking silver nanoparticle technology. Extracted from natural sources like oregano, these antibacterial nanoparticles can be applied to plastic, paper, and bio-based materials, forming a protective layer that preserves food freshness and minimizes spoilage.
Federico Trotta, Co-founder and CEO of Metalchemy, commented:
“Our goal is to educate the public about this revolutionary technology, which extends beyond food preservation. We see enormous potential in sectors like healthcare, cosmetics, and more.”
Expanding into Healthcare in Collaboration with University College London
Metalchemy’s vision is not limited to food technology. The company plans to expand into healthcare through ongoing research in partnership with University College London (UCL), exploring the applications of nanotechnology in cosmetics and biomedical fields.
Strong Investor Support for Metalchemy
Currently, the startup enjoys backing from several key investors, including:
- G-Force Venture Capital
- Katapult Venture Capital
- Innovate UK Grant Funding
Web Summit Qatar 2025: The Largest Startup Gathering in the Middle East
With 1,520 startups, including 228 Qatari companies, Web Summit Qatar 2025 highlighted the rapid growth of the tech and entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Middle East. The event attracted global investors, industry leaders, and innovative startups seeking to shape the future of technology.
Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage at Web Summit Qatar 2025
AI was a key discussion theme, with sessions focusing on its future in the Middle East, ethical challenges, economic impact, and the role of government policies in AI governance.
AI-Powered Networking at Web Summit Qatar
Web Summit leveraged AI technology to enhance attendee experience, facilitating over 120 networking sessions via its digital platform. The system analyzed participant data—including interests, industries, professions, and locations—to connect attendees with the right people for meaningful discussions.
Key Networking Events at Web Summit Qatar 2025:
- Qatar Founders & CEOs Meetup
- Telecoms & IT Enthusiasts
- Ads & Marketing Enthusiasts
- Education Enthusiasts Meetup
- Women in Tech Meetup
Highlighted Sessions at Web Summit Qatar 2025:
- Redefining Success in Hollywood and Beyond – With Will Smith & Jay Shetty
- The Global AI Race: Who Will Lead the Future?
- Investing in Transformational Sectors: Shaping the Future of Tech
- How to Build Products People Love?
Investment and Partnership Opportunities at Web Summit Qatar 2025
Some of the world’s top investors attended the event, including:
- Noor Sweid – Global Ventures
- Kevin Jask – Greycroft
- Mohammed Ahmed Al-Hardan – Qatar Investment Authority (QIA)
Major global corporations, including Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, Cloudflare, and Huawei, also showcased their latest innovations, alongside a strong presence from Qatari and international startups.
Web Summit Qatar to Return in 2026
Following the overwhelming success of the 2025 edition, Web Summit Qatar will return to Doha from February 1 to 4, 2026, continuing its mission to foster innovation and collaboration among the world’s leading tech pioneers.
