From Farmlands to Frontier Tech, Mehdi Ajana is Reimagining Nature’s Future

Long before Mehdi Ajana found himself shaping the future of ecosystem restoration at Nabat, he was a child enjoying the farmlands of Morocco, where his grandfather’s land was his playground.

“I was in contact with nature very early on,” Ajana recalls. “With the crops, the animals, with the people who worked the land.”

That connection never left him. He’s managed to make his passion for nature central to his career.

Today, he’s one of the main venture architects at VentureOne, leading the charge on building purpose-driven startups from the ground up. His current focus is on Nabat, a venture using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics for ecosystem restoration. His work includes researching and understanding the challenges of ecosystem restoration, setting up operations to deliver concrete solutions, as well as growing and scaling the startup.

“It’s exciting to be at the inception stage,” he says. “You get to build the DNA of the company.”

Using AI and autonomous robotics, Nabat is reimagining ecosystem restoration by making it scalable, precise, and data driven. Its initial focus is the revival of the UAE’s vital mangrove forests, but the technology is applicable to a wide range of ecosystems.

“It’s about solving real problems, restoring nature, and supporting biodiversity,” he says.

After studying industrial engineering in France, Ajana’s early professional years took him into the agrifood industry at Danone, where he worked on supply chain operations, before he pivoted into strategy consulting with EY. There, he immersed himself in a variety of industries—public sector, technology, construction—building a toolkit that would eventually serve him as a venture developer.

“Consulting gave me the range to understand different business models and sectors,” he says. “It was great training for what I do now.”

“Working on Nabat brings together everything I care about, my engineering background, my consulting experience, and my deep love for nature. It’s where my skills and values align. For me, using technology in service of the environment isn’t just work, it’s a calling.” Says Ajana.

Looking ahead, Ajana’s goals for Nabat are focused on growth. His priority for this year is to strengthen ties with partners and clients, and ensuring the technology truly drives value to nature.

He’s also focused on growing his team.

“Just as important to my position is attracting mission-driven talent that is equally energized by the promise of environmental restoration,” he says.

One thing is clear: Ajana wants to continue to build innovation that matters and solutions that serve the greater good, bringing lasting change to people and the planet.

“My ambition is for Nabat to spark a future where innovation helps restore nature and inspires change.”