Ahya, a Saudi Arabia-based climate tech startup, is paving the way for enterprises to achieve net-zero emissions with an innovative approach centered on accuracy, transparency, and environmental sustainability. Founded by Salaal Hasan, Ahya is the world’s first consolidated climate software and artificial intelligence (AI) venture. Hasan, along with a dedicated team of 20 individuals, has built a platform that allows companies to accurately measure and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while fostering climate responsibility.
The journey to creating Ahya wasn’t an easy one. According to Hasan, one of the biggest hurdles in building a climate-tech business was convincing companies to shift their focus from traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks to fully embracing climate change as a fundamental aspect of their operations. Hasan emphasizes that real change begins with measurement: “What you don’t measure, you cannot change.” By focusing on data-driven solutions, Ahya provides companies with a way to accurately track their environmental impact and take meaningful steps toward sustainability.
Expanding Across the Region
Since its launch in 2023, Ahya has expanded its operations beyond Saudi Arabia, scaling into the UAE and Pakistan. The startup has attracted partnerships with multinationals, financial institutions, and export businesses across these regions. Hasan explains that this growth wasn’t without challenges, especially in the early days when the climate tech sector was still gaining traction. He notes that overcoming resistance to change within organizations, as well as building a strong value proposition for sustainability, were key factors in Ahya’s success.
Despite these challenges, Ahya has managed to gain significant recognition and credibility in the market. Its core product, the Ahya Operating System (AhyaOS), is a powerful AI-driven platform designed to help enterprises measure, analyze, reduce, and report their GHG emissions. One of the main advantages of AhyaOS is its ability to overcome limitations caused by incomplete or inaccurate data. The system can collect data both internally and externally, providing a comprehensive overview of a company’s sustainability efforts. This makes it easier for businesses to manage their environmental data in a single platform, allowing for better decision-making and reporting.
Introducing Tawazun: A Carbon Marketplace
Ahya’s platform also includes an innovative digital marketplace called Tawazun, which allows companies to buy, sell, and trade voluntary emission reductions, also known as carbon offsets. This is particularly useful for businesses that cannot completely eliminate their emissions. Tawazun provides a way to offset these emissions by supporting global projects that focus on carbon reduction.
Tawazun addresses a significant challenge faced by many enterprises in the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP) region: the fragmented carbon offset market. By offering a consolidated platform for trading carbon offsets, Ahya helps businesses generate revenue from sustainability initiatives while contributing to global climate financing efforts. This is particularly important for MENAP companies, which often face barriers to accessing global carbon markets.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Ahya’s innovative solutions have not gone unnoticed. The company was recently shortlisted for the TechSprint award, a global initiative aimed at promoting innovation in sustainable finance and climate change solutions. The award is hosted by key organizations, including the Central Bank of the UAE, the Bank for International Settlements, and the Emirates Institute of Finance. The event also had the backing of COP28, the 28th edition of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Additionally, Ahya has been nominated for two prestigious awards in 2024: the Earthshot Prize, a global environmental award recognizing innovative solutions to environmental challenges, and the Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE’s premier award for sustainability and humanitarian efforts. These nominations are a testament to Ahya’s impact and the growing importance of climate tech in the region.
Challenges in the MENAP Region
Despite its rapid success, Hasan points out that funding remains a major obstacle for climate-tech startups in the MENAP region. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE have introduced several sustainability-focused policies and initiatives following COP28, there is still a gap in available venture capital for startups in this space. Hasan explains that most of the funding in the region is directed towards fintech and e-commerce ventures, leaving climate-tech startups like Ahya struggling to find the necessary capital to scale their operations.
High inflation rates and uncertainties in global markets have also made it difficult for venture funds in the US and European Union (EU) to invest in MENAP climate-tech startups. Hasan believes that in order for countries like Saudi Arabia to meet their ambitious climate goals, such as reducing 278 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, there needs to be more focus on supporting local climate-tech ventures. He emphasizes the need for specialized venture funds and programs that prioritize sustainability within the region, rather than focusing solely on international investments.
Collaborating for Change
In response to these challenges, Ahya has taken a proactive approach by publishing research and opinions on key sustainability policies and collaborating with both government and academic institutions. Hasan believes that these collaborations are essential for driving the change needed to meet national and international climate targets. He is optimistic that the growing interest in climate-tech will lead to more funding opportunities in the near future.
Ahya is already seeing positive signs in this direction. The company is currently participating in the Mega Green Accelerator program, which works with major capital allocators like Venture Souq, the Dubai Future District Fund, and Shurooq Partners. Hasan highlights the importance of sovereign funds and family offices in driving the shift toward sustainability-focused investments. He believes that the time for a market correction towards green technologies and sustainable products is running out, and the region needs to act quickly to capitalize on these opportunities.
Future Plans for Ahya
Looking ahead, Ahya has ambitious plans for growth. The company is gearing up for the commercial launch of its core products, AhyaOS and Tawazun, by the end of 2024. These products are backed by strong partnerships with US and EU companies, including Nvidia, a leading artificial intelligence company, as well as carbon registries, emission factor databases, and cloud service providers.
Ahya is also working closely with local partners, including sovereign funds and financial markets in the MENAP region. Hasan reveals that the company plans to expand its team to 50 full-time employees by June 2025, with a particular focus on hiring talent in Saudi Arabia. The startup is on track to triple its revenue in the coming year, with 67% of its revenue expected to come from recurring sources. Ahya is currently working with 60 enterprise clients across the MENAP region and aims to further expand its client base as it continues to grow.
Ahya’s success story is a clear indication of the growing importance of climate-tech solutions in the MENAP region and beyond. By offering a comprehensive platform for measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions, Ahya is helping enterprises take meaningful steps towards achieving net-zero emissions. While the road to sustainability is not without challenges, Hasan’s leadership and vision for a more sustainable future are driving Ahya to new heights.
As more countries and businesses recognize the urgency of addressing climate change, startups like Ahya will play a crucial role in leading the charge. With its innovative solutions, strong partnerships, and a clear focus on sustainability, Ahya is well-positioned to make a significant impact in the fight against climate change. As Hasan and his team continue to push forward, they are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the MENAP region and beyond.
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