Monther Fadel saw the problem first-hand: solar panels across the Middle East are losing efficiency due to dust, with no effective way to clean them. That observation, made while working on renewable energy projects as an electrical engineering graduate in 2013, sparked the idea behind DARBCO Robotics.
What began as a technical fix—automated cleaning systems for solar farms—has evolved into a growth-stage company operating in over seven countries. “We launched with a robot that was too advanced. The market taught us to listen first,” Fadel said.
Based in the UAE and supported by the MBRIF accelerator, DARBCO is now part of a regional wave of hardware startups solving local energy and infrastructure challenges with real-world tools. As solar investment accelerates across the Gulf, Fadel is focused on building technology and trust. “Persistence opened doors. Results kept them open8,” he says.
In five years, he sees DARBCO leading solar maintenance across MENA. Not just selling hardware—but building a category.
What drove you to join the startup world?
It all began in 2013. Fresh out of university as an electrical engineering graduate, I stepped into the renewable energy sector, wide-eyed, driven, and deeply curious. As I worked on solar projects across the region, I encountered a problem: solar panels blanketed in dust, their efficiency silently suffocating. No safe, efficient, or sustainable cleaning solution existed.
So I asked: Why not build one?
That moment was my spark. I dove into research, into risk and reinvention. I wasn’t just fixing a technical gap, was carving a path into the world of startups. That path led to DARBCO Robotics, which was born from vision and grit.
Why did you choose the Middle East as the place to start/expand the business?
The Middle East has some of the harshest weather for solar panels, lots of dust and heat. That makes it the best place for our robots because the need is so high. Countries here are investing more and more in solar energy and need smart cleaning solutions like ours to ensure the systems work well.
Beyond the technical need, the region has also become a strategic hub for startups. With strong government backing and forward-thinking programs, the UAE, in particular, is creating an environment where innovation can thrive. We’re proud to be part of the MBRIF accelerator program, which has provided us with the right support, mentorship, and access to a network that is helping us take the next steps in our journey.
How would you describe the region’s startup scene in three words?
Growing, Rich, and Promising
Is there something that has surprised you in your journey?
Every single step has been full of surprises and lessons. One of them is that customers don’t always know how big their problem is until you show them.
The moment we started educating clients about the energy and money they were losing to dust, they became more open to our solution. Awareness is the gateway to impact.
What are (in your view) the keys to approaching investors successfully?
Don’t walk into a meeting hoping to “get funding”. Walk in ready to make them want to be part of your journey. Know your numbers, own your story, and always follow up. Build a relationship. Investors are not just check-writers; they are long-term partners. And the best way to earn their trust is to show them you’re organised, strategic, and unshakably driven.
What was the most challenging part of raising funding, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was convincing others to believe in something that didn’t yet exist.
In the early days, we had no shiny factory, no million-dollar contracts, just an idea, a prototype, and relentless belief. But we overcame that by proving ourselves, step by step. We showcased results, delivered value, and kept refining our product until our work spoke louder than our words.
Persistence opened doors, and results kept them open.
What is the best piece of financial advice you have received?
Keep track of every dollar from day one.
Always monitor your spending closely. Save every invoice and record every purchase order, no matter how small. Being organised with your finances helps you make smarter decisions, avoid surprises, and gain investors’ trust. It’s one of the first steps to building a strong, reliable business.
What has been your biggest success and your biggest failure?
Let’s start with what some call failure. I call it wisdom earned the hard way.
In our early days, we launched with a highly advanced robot. It is powerful, the highest tech, and, in many cases, over-engineered. The market taught us a humbling lesson: innovation is only impactful when aligned with need.
So we went back to R&D, simplified, diversified, and today, we offer a full range of solutions for every type of solar plant.
DARBCO Robotics now operates in over seven countries, with a reputation for high performance, reliability, and unmatched technical support.
We didn’t just enter the market. We reshaped it.
What is the best quality a leader can have?
Empathy and agility.
A great leader understands people and adapts when things change. You don’t have to know everything, but you need to listen, learn fast, and stay calm under pressure. Leadership is about growing with your team through every step of the journey.
Where would you like to be in five years’ time?
Five years from now, I see DARBCO Robotics leading the solar maintenance revolution across the MENA region and beyond. I see our technology powering cleaner, more efficient solar farms globally. I see DARBCO Robotics as a household name in sustainability, a brand known for innovation and impact.
And personally? I hope to mentor the next generation of founders, those who dare to dream, build, and rise.
