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SPACE-F, the first global food-tech startup incubator and accelerator program in Thailand, has launched Batch 5 of the program that aims to foster innovative solutions to address current and future food industry challenges.
The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA), Thai Union Group PCL, Mahidol University, Thai Beverage PCL, LOTTE Fine Chemical, and Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. are key collaborators in SPACE-F, which provides participating startups with expert mentorship, access to valuable networks, and funding opportunities. Additionally, startups benefit from the state-of-the-art facilities and resources at Mahidol University, and potential collaboration with Thai Union Group, a global seafood leader, to bring their products to market.
This year, SPACE-F welcomes 20 startups into its 5th cohort, with 10 in the Incubator program and 10 in the Accelerator program. These startups, selected for their innovative potential, will work on projects ranging from sustainable packaging to advanced food preservation techniques.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Director of NIA, stated at the launch event:
"The SPACE-F project has promoted and supported both incubation and knowledge transfer for developing innovative businesses in collaboration with leading educational institutions and private sectors like Thai Union Group PCL and Mahidol University. We also provide funding through open innovation projects for prototype development and create platforms that attract startups developing food technology and innovation with a well-prepared ecosystem and expertise. The program aims to propel startups to grow and succeed quickly, creating a significant impact on the industry. This year marks the 5th year of the program, and we have startups from six countries participating including Thailand, the U.S., Singapore, China, India and Israel.
To reinforce Thailand's position as the "Kitchen of the World," SPACE-F aims to help FoodTech startups grow and expand in the ASEAN region, which has a market of over 650 million consumers and is valued at over USD 1,900 billion. The success of past projects has demonstrated the investment and infrastructure that can make Thailand a base for the FoodTech industry.
Our platform has fully supported participating startups, growing their business which in turn creates social value. With the vision and cooperation of the public and private sectors like Mahidol University, Thai Union Group, Thai Beverage, LOTTE Fine Chemical and Nestlé (Thai), we believe that Thailand will become a leader in the global food technology and innovation industry. We will contribute to fostering entrepreneurship through innovation, focusing on developing innovations that align with new industry trends, and transforming creative ideas into successful products or businesses on a global scale."
Assoc. Prof. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Director of the Institute of Technology and Innovation Management (iNT) at Mahidol University, added, "We believe in the technology that will help drive the businesses participating in SPACE-F Batch 5 to expand further into international markets. This is something that Mahidol University can support, by providing startups with full access to our facilities and resources, including our faculty members who graduated from renowned universities worldwide, as well as our students."
Assoc. Prof. Pasit Pakawatpanurut, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation at Mahidol University further commented
“Behind the success of many startups' innovations, continuous research and development are essential to ensure their continued success in the future. The Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, in addition to being the long-standing home of the SPACE-F project, is pleased to be a part of the ecosystem that promotes the growth and competitiveness of Food-Tech Startups in creating innovations to advance Thai kitchens to the global stage. We as faculty and staff are ready to provide advice and support to startups in the program with in-depth scientific and technological knowledge, to help startups find solutions that meet the needs of the global food industry market.”
10 FoodTech Startups Participating in the Incubator Program
- Full Circle: Offers Packaging as a Service to reduce single-use packaging waste.
- Another Food: Developing sustainable coffee from plant cell culture.
- Cantrak: Provides software for the agrifood industry to track and reduce emissions, enhancing trades.
- Nanozeree: Experts in targeted-robotic encapsulation technology.
- Anuvi Food Sciences: Utilizes biomass fermentation to produce food ingredients.
- Algrow Biosciences: Creates zero-waste, higher quality ingredients from algae-based biorefinery.
- 21 Flavour: Offers attractive and palatable solutions for beloved pets.
- Beijing BangyaBangya Technology: Produces the world's first peanut sprout beverage.
- Niyog Global: Creates accessible, sustainable and functional animal-free dairy from coconut.
- KronoLife: Affiliated with Thailand's NSTDA, develops advanced anti-aging nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals that target senescent cells, promoting healthier aging and improved skin quality with products like ZenoBlazt and ZenoGenez.
10 FoodTech Startups Participating in the Accelerator Program
- SEATOBAG: The world's first microbiome-based aquaculture solution, enhancing food security and sustainable production.
- N&E Innovations: A natural alternative, creating the world's first antimicrobial synthesized disinfectant and food packaging from food waste.
- The Crop Project: Developing seaweed-based seasoning formulations to reduce sodium content in finished food products.
- Biodefense (led by BioShield): Revolutionizing food preservation with innovative solutions.
- UniFAHS: Combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with PhagePrompt™ phage solutions applied throughout the food production process.
- Prefer: Utilizing fermentation technology to transform bread, soy and barley into coffee flavors.
- Fattastic Technologies: Developing plant-based fats from vegetable oils using their innovative platform.
- MUI Robotics: Designing a platform specifically for the food industry, enhancing quality control, flavor analysis and food safety.
- Aquivio: Provides an unique and powerful customization feature, allowing each user to create the perfect beverage tailored to their individual taste and lifestyle goals.
- Ingrediome: Applying photosynthetic precision fermentation to produce nature-identical animal proteins, recreating meat and seafood products with a focus on culinary function.
For more information about the SPACE-F project, please visit https://www.space-f.co
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About SPACE-F
The SPACE-F project focuses on enabling food technology startups to develop innovative products that address current and future challenges in the industry. Participating startups will receive expert advice, access to networks and funding opportunities for business growth. The scope of startups participating in the SPACE-F project covers the following categories: Health and wellness, Alternative proteins, Smart manufacturing, Packaging solutions, Novel food and ingredients, Biomaterials and chemicals, Restaurant tech, Food safety and quality and Smart food services. In addition, all startups participating in the SPACE-F project have the opportunity to access facilities and resources within the Faculty of Science at Mahidol University. They also have the chance to bring their products to market with Thai Union Group PCL and SPACE-F project partners, all of which are leading companies in the food industry, including Thai Beverage PCL, LOTTE Fine Chemical and Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. Furthermore, SPACE-F is a non-equity program, meaning startups retain full ownership of their ideas and products.
For more information about the SPACE-F project, please visit https://www.space-f.co
About Nestlé
Nestlé is the world's largest food and beverage company, operating in 188 countries worldwide. Over 275,000 Nestlé employees are committed to Nestlé's purpose of "Unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come." Nestlé offers products and services for people and pets at all stages of life, with over 2,000 brands ranging from globally recognized names like Nescafé, Nespresso, Milo, and Maggi to local favorites like Bear Brand and Minéré.
The company is driven by a strategy that creates value for consumers ("Good for You") and for the planet ("Good for the Planet"). Nestlé was founded over 150 years ago and is headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland.
About the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA)
NIA's mission is to support and develop Thailand's innovation system through improvement and initiation, to promote economic restructuring and enhance competitiveness. NIA provides guidance for innovation, serving as a key mechanism to drive the country's innovation by co-creating new innovations, connecting relevant groups and organizations, and providing assistance and collaboration with various organizations in fields such as academia, technology, industry, finance and investment. NIA focuses on utilizing knowledge management to foster innovation, particularly in promoting the operation of innovation enterprise networks that use innovation as a primary tool to improve quality of life and drive towards a more competitive economy.
About Thai Union
Thai Union Group PCL is the world's seafood leader, bringing high quality, healthy, tasty and innovative seafood products to customers across the world for 47 years.
Today, Thai Union is regarded as one of the world's leading seafood producers and is one of the largest producers of shelf-stable tuna products with annual sales exceeding THB 136.2 billion (US$ 3,912 billion) and a global workforce of more than 44,000 people who are dedicated to pioneering sustainable, innovative seafood products.
The Company’s global brand portfolio includes market-leading international brands such as Chicken of the Sea, John West, Petit Navire, Parmentier, Mareblu, King Oscar, Hawesta, and Rügen Fisch, Thai-leading brands SEALECT, Fisho, Qfresh, Monori, OMG Meat, Bellotta and Marvo, and ingredient and supplement brands UniQ®BONE, UniQ®DHA and ZEAvita.
With a commitment to “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans,” Thai Union is proud to be a member of the United Nations Global Compact, a founding participating company of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF), and current Chair of Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS).
Thai Union's ongoing leadership in sustainability has been taken to the next level with the announcement of SeaChange® 2030, the Company’s expanded sustainability strategy with more ambitious goals for people and the planet. Through SeaChange®, the Company was recognized and listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the 10th consecutive year in 2023, ranked number one on the Seafood Stewardship Index (SSI) for the third consecutive time, listed in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2024, achieved a B rating from global environmental disclosure non-profit CDP, and was also named to the FTSE4Good Emerging Index for the eighth straight year in 2023F. ind out more about the Group’s sustainability strategy at https://www.seachangesustainability.org/
About Mahidol University
Mahidol University originated from the establishment of Siriraj Hospital in 1888 by King Chulalongkorn (Rama V). The hospital's medical school is the oldest institution of higher education in Thailand. The university also offers programs in social sciences and humanities, including most doctoral programs in Thailand, while maintaining its original excellence in medicine and science.
On October 16, 2007, the National Legislative Assembly approved Mahidol University as an autonomous institution. This change enhances the university's efficiency, flexibility and creativity, aligning it with global university standards. The ultimate goal is to promote good health and well-being for the benefit of the people through research, technology and innovation. Mahidol University is currently ranked 1st in Thailand by various internationally recognized institutions.
Release ID: 89133544
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