DeepTech Summit 2025 () unlocks new funding for expansion operations in Africa, the Middle East and Southern Europe. The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir (UM6P), Morocco, awarded the company the prize for the Green Economy category during the summit on May 8-9.
The grant highlights the growing investor interest in the agriculture technology-as-a-service (AaaS) sector in Africa. Aerobotics in South Africa, for example, has received similar attention following a $26,8 million fundingraise.
Sand to Green’s interest comes at a moment when the Moroccan government and World Bank are investing in agrotechnology through their Morocco Digital and Climate Smart Agriculture programme and other related ventures. Investors are investing in startups that provide much-needed technology for scaling farming. They also support technology. Sand to Green’s model combines satellite-driven land analyses, solar-powered desalination and regenerative agriculture to transform arid areas into fertile, sustainable farms. The company claims that the grant will accelerate its expansion plans and increase its reach in markets vulnerable to desertification and climate driven food insecurity. Benjamin Rombaut is the CEO and cofounder of Sand to Green. He said that this international recognition was a turning-point for his company. It confirms that Deep Tech is a powerful tool for restoring ecosystems and fighting desertification. It also offers sustainable economic prospects to disadvantaged territories in collaboration with all local actors.
Sand to Green was founded in 2021 by Rombaut along with Gautier de Carcouet and Wissal ben Moussa.
This company is at the intersection of climate resilience and food safety, two global priorities that are on the rise. According to the United Nations, over 40% of land in the world is already degraded.This affects half of the population and costs the world economy $6 trillion per year. Africa loses approximately 3 million hectares per year of forest and arable lands due to desertification. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (19459029), this equates to nearly 3% Africa’s GDP growth being lost each year due to soil and nutrient degradation. This forces the continent to spend over $35 billion on imported food.
Sand to Green integrates environmental data – soil type, climate patterns, and topography – with local agricultural practices to create customised agroecological system. The company claims that projects are developed in collaboration with rural communities, local institutions, and farmers. This strategy ensures sustainability and community buy-in.
This company makes money through the design and management of sustainable farms that produce high-value crops such as nuts, grains and herbs. It also generates revenue from consulting, land development and generating carbon credit, which it can then sell to businesses that are looking to offset their emissions.
Sand to Green is based in Morocco, and plans to expand in the Tan-Tan area. NextAfricais a transcontinental accelerator run jointly by UM6P, STATION F and UM6P, which provides strategic support, mentorship and investor access for startups.
Sand to Green, a company that combines traditional land stewardship and advanced satellite and water technologies to meet one of the world’s greatest challenges, is betting on a business model that can scale both economically and environmentally.
