Sand to Green, a pioneering Moroccan agrotechnology startup, has secured a $50,000 grant at the prestigious DeepTech Summit 2025, propelling its mission to transform degraded land into productive farmland. The award, presented in the Green Economy category, underscores the growing investor enthusiasm for agriculture technology-as-a-service (AaaS) solutions in Africa and beyond.
The summit, held on May 8–9 and organised by the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Benguerir, Morocco, has shone a spotlight on Sand to Green’s innovative approach. The company’s model, which combines satellite-driven land analysis, solar-powered desalination, and regenerative agroforestry, aims to turn arid zones into fertile, sustainable farmlands. This recognition is not just a win for Sand to Green but also a testament to the burgeoning interest in agrotechnology across the continent.
The grant comes at a pivotal time when both the Moroccan government and the World Bank are heavily investing in agrotechnology through initiatives like the Morocco Digital and Climate Smart Agriculture programme. Investors are increasingly drawn to startups that can leverage technology to scale farming, tapping into Morocco’s substantial $12.39 billion agriculture market.
Benjamin Rombaut, CEO and co-founder of Sand to Green, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This international recognition is a turning point for us. It confirms that Deep Tech can be a powerful lever for restoring ecosystems, fighting desertification, and offering sustainable economic prospects to vulnerable territories in cooperation with all local actors.”
Founded in 2021 by Rombaut, Gautier de Carcouët, and Wissal Ben Moussa, Sand to Green has already raised $1 million in seed funding from notable investors, including Norway’s Katapult and the Catalyst Fund. The company’s mission aligns with two critical global priorities: climate resilience and food security. According to the United Nations, over 40% of the world’s land is degraded, affecting half of the global population and costing the world economy up to $6 trillion annually. In Africa, desertification leads to the loss of roughly 3 million hectares of forest and arable land each year, significantly impacting the continent’s GDP and forcing it to spend over $35 billion on food imports.
Sand to Green’s approach is both innovative and inclusive. By integrating environmental data with local agricultural practices, the company develops customised agroecological systems. These projects are co-developed with rural communities, farmers, and local institutions, ensuring long-term viability and community buy-in.
The company’s revenue model is multifaceted, involving the design and management of sustainable farms that grow high-value crops like nuts, grains, and herbs. Additionally, Sand to Green earns through consulting, land development, and the generation of carbon credits, which are sold to businesses looking to offset emissions.
Currently operating in Morocco, Sand to Green plans to expand its reach, particularly in the Tan-Tan region. The startup is backed by NextAfrica, a trans-continental accelerator run by UM6P and Paris-based STATION F, which provides strategic support, mentorship, and investor access to startups.
By blending traditional land stewardship with advanced satellite and water technology, Sand to Green is positioning itself as a scalable solution to one of the planet’s most pressing challenges. The recent grant and growing investor interest signal a promising future for the company and the broader agrotechnology sector in Africa.