Can the world’s deserts be transformed into fertile farmland? A Moroccan startup thinks so—and they just received a major boost to prove it. Sand to Green, an innovative agrotech venture, has captured international attention after winning a $50,000 Green Economy grant at the 2025 DeepTech Summit in Benguerir, Morocco. Their mission? To reverse desertification and grow food in some of the planet’s harshest environments.
A Vision That Grew From Dust
Sand to Green was launched in 2021 by a trio of eco-innovators—Benjamin Rombaut, Gautier de Carcouët, and Wissal Ben Moussa. Their approach combines cutting-edge technology and time-tested ecological practices to transform degraded, arid land into productive ecosystems. With the recent $50K grant and a previous $1 million in seed funding from investors like Katapult and the Catalyst Fund, the startup is poised to scale its impact.
Sand to Green : The Tech Behind the Transformation
🌐 Deep Tech Meets Green Farming
At the core of Sand to Green’s model is an impressive mix of tech tools:
- Satellite land analysis to find viable terrain
- Solar-powered desalination to provide fresh water
- Regenerative agroforestry to enrich soil and biodiversity
Their success isn’t just technical—it’s also social. By co-designing projects with local communities, they ensure sustainability and local support from the start.
Scaling Solutions Across Continents
With desertification threatening ecosystems in Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe, Sand to Green’s scalable model is more relevant than ever. Currently active in Morocco’s Tan-Tan region, they plan to expand quickly. The DeepTech grant, backed by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), gives them vital momentum.
UM6P’s partnership with STATION F through the NextAfrica accelerator also provides them with mentorship and investor access—key resources for growth.
Why This Matters Now
🌍 The Desertification Crisis
According to the UN, over 40% of the earth’s land is degraded, affecting billions and costing the global economy up to $6 trillion annually. In Africa, 3 million hectares of fertile land vanish every year, forcing countries to import $35 billion in food.
Sand to Green offers a concrete, tech-powered answer to this pressing challenge. Their revenue model includes high-value crop production, land restoration consulting, and selling carbon credits—making sustainability financially viable.
Conclusion: One Green Patch at a Time
Sand to Green represents a bold new chapter in sustainable agriculture. Their blend of high tech, localcollaboration, and ecological design could serve as a blueprint for nations battling desertification. With the latest funding, they’re set to expand their regenerative footprint across the globe—proving that with the right tools and mindset, even the driest sands can bloom.
