SPACE-F Unveils Batch 5 of Global FoodTech Accelerator to Tackle Food Industry Challenges

SPACE-F, Thailand’s pioneering global FoodTech incubator and accelerator program, has launched Batch 5, focusing on innovative solutions for current and future food industry challenges. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Innovation Agency (NIA), Thai Union Group PCL, Mahidol University, Thai Beverage PCL, LOTTE Fine Chemical, and Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.

SPACE-F Batch 5 features 20 startups, with 10 participating in the Incubator program and 10 in the Accelerator program. The selected startups are working on breakthrough projects such as sustainable packaging, advanced food preservation, and alternative proteins. This year’s cohort includes startups from Thailand, the U.S., Singapore, China, India, and Israel.

The program offers expert mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to cutting-edge facilities at Mahidol University. Startups also benefit from collaboration opportunities with global seafood leader Thai Union Group to potentially bring their products to market.

Empowering Startups with Innovation and Collaboration

Assoc. Prof. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Director of the Institute of Technology and Innovation Management (iNT) at Mahidol University, emphasized the vital role of academia in supporting the expansion of these startups into international markets. He highlighted the access startups have to Mahidol’s world-class facilities, faculty expertise, and research capabilities.

In addition, Assoc. Prof. Pasit Pakawatpanurut, Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation at Mahidol University, pointed out that continuous R&D is key to ensuring the long-term success of the startups’ innovations. The Faculty of Science at Mahidol University is actively supporting SPACE-F, helping nurture innovative solutions that propel Thailand’s food industry to the global stage.

Incubator Program Highlights

1. Full Circle: Provides sustainable packaging services.
2. Another Food: Develops coffee from plant cell culture.
3. Cantrak: Helps agrifood industry track and reduce emissions.
4. Nanozeree: Specializes in targeted-robotic encapsulation technology.
5. Anuvi Food Sciences: Produces ingredients via biomass fermentation.
6. Algrow Biosciences: Algae-based zero-waste ingredient creation.
7. 21 Flavour: Pet food innovations.
8. Beijing BangyaBangya: Peanut sprout beverages.
9. Niyog Global: Animal-free dairy from coconut.
10. KronoLife: Anti-aging nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Accelerator Program Highlights

1. SEATOBAG: Microbiome-based aquaculture solution.
2. N&E Innovations: Antimicrobial packaging from food waste.
3. The Crop Project: Seaweed-based seasoning for sodium reduction.
4. Biodefense: Food preservation solutions.
5. UniFAHS: Phage-based antimicrobial resistance solutions.
6. Prefer: Turns bread and soy into coffee flavors.
7. Fattastic Technologies: Plant-based fats from vegetable oils.
8. MUI Robotics: Food industry quality control and safety platform.
9. Aquivio: Customizable beverages for individual tastes.
10. Ingrediome: Precision fermentation for animal protein alternatives.

A Platform for Growth in ASEAN
SPACE-F aims to drive FoodTech innovation in the ASEAN region, home to over 650 million consumers, with a market valued at over USD 1,900 billion. The initiative supports startups in scaling their operations, contributing to Thailand’s goal of becoming a global leader in food technology and innovation.

For more details, visit SPACE-F.