Kiwi innovation meets Saudi ambition

Wellington-based agricultural technology company CropX has been selected for a precision irrigation pilot programme at NEOM's Oxagon agricultural zone, one of the centrepieces of Saudi Arabia's US$500 billion mega-city project.

CropX's soil-sensing and AI-driven irrigation platform was chosen from 47 international applicants to manage water efficiency across 800 hectares of indoor and outdoor agricultural production.

The NEOM opportunity

NEOM's agricultural programme aims to achieve 70% food self-sufficiency for the planned city of 9 million residents. The Oxagon zone uses a combination of vertical farming, precision agriculture, and desalinated water management — all areas where New Zealand's AgTech sector has developed world-leading expertise.

What this signals

CropX's selection underscores the growing recognition of New Zealand's agricultural technology sector in the Gulf. NZ companies bring practical, field-tested solutions developed in a country that exports 80% of its agricultural production.

Pipeline for NZ AgTech

The Chamber is aware of at least four additional NEOM procurement rounds opening in 2026 covering livestock management, post-harvest technology, and cold-chain logistics — all areas of NZ strength.

LEAD and CHAIRMAN'S CIRCLE members will receive advance notification of these opportunities through our intelligence briefings.