Sand to Green founders. Image source: TechCabal
Moroccan agri-tech startup Sand to Green has secured a $50,000 grant at the DeepTech Summit 2025, highlighting the growing global interest in African climate-tech innovations.
The company, backed by the Catalyst Fund, was awarded the prize in the Green Economy category at the summit held on May 8–9 at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir, Morocco.
Founded in 2021 by Benjamin Rombaut, Gautier de Carcouët, and Wissal Ben Moussa, Sand to Green aims to transform degraded land into productive farmland.
The startup employs a combination of satellite-driven land analysis, solar-powered desalination, and regenerative agroforestry to convert arid zones into fertile, sustainable farms.
The recent grant is expected to accelerate the company’s expansion plans across Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe.
“This international recognition is a turning point for us,” said CEO Benjamin Rombaut. “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.”
Sand to Green’s innovative approach addresses pressing issues of desertification and food insecurity, which are exacerbated by climate change.
According to the United Nations, over 40% of the world’s land is already degraded, affecting half of the global population and costing the world economy up to $6 trillion annually.
Africa alone loses approximately 3 million hectares of forest and arable land each year due to desertification.
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The startup’s success is representative of a broader trend in Africa’s climate-tech sector, which is attracting increased investment.
Catalyst Fund, a Boston-based venture accelerator, has been instrumental in supporting early-stage African startups focused on climate adaptation and resilience.
In recent months, the fund has invested in multiple African climate-tech startups, contributing to a growing ecosystem of innovation on the continent.
Moreover, other venture capital firms are recognising the potential of African climate-tech solutions. Equator, a venture capital firm focusing on climate tech investments in sub-Saharan Africa, recently closed a $55 million fund to support early-stage startups.
Sand to Green’s achievement not only underscores the viability of African-led climate solutions but also highlights the continent’s growing role in addressing global environmental challenges.
As climate change continues to impact vulnerable regions disproportionately, innovations like those from Sand to Green offer scalable, sustainable approaches to building resilience and ensuring food security.
The company’s collaboration with local communities, farmers, and institutions ensures that its solutions are tailored to the specific needs of the regions it serves, promoting long-term sustainability and community buy-in.
With continued support from investors and accelerators, African climate-tech startups are poised to make significant contributions to global efforts in combating climate change.
