SPACE-F Batch 4 Incubator Program presents 10 startups showcasing FoodTech Solutions

Following the success of the SPACE-F Accelerator Demo Day held in June, the SPACE-F Program returns with the SPACE-F Batch 4 Incubator Demo Day.

This event showcases the cutting-edge technological achievements in the field of food technology by startups under the incubator program. This program is a collaborative effort among leading organizations, including the National Innovation Agency (NIA), Thai Union Group Public Company Limited, Mahidol University, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, Deloitte Thailand, and LOTTE Fine Chemical.

This time, SPACE-F presented 10 startups from the incubator program. They took the stage to showcase their achievements to investors and those interested in FoodTech innovation. This event was part of the FoodTech Stage at the Techsauce Global Summit 2023, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on August 16, 2023.

With their technological potential and possibilities, the 10 selected startups underwent practical workshops, consultations with industry experts from both Thailand and abroad, all aimed at enhancing their solutions and preparing them for market entry. This includes readiness for Seed and Series A Funding.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), delivered an opening remark highlighting on how the SPACE-F program aligns with NIA’s new strategy

“NIA as a Focal Conductor strives to create sustainable impacts on both the country's economy and society through the concept of Create the Dot - Connect the Dot, and Value Creation to realize the 2 reduce and 3 enhance, which are: reduce inequality, reduce barriers, enhance funding access, enhance the number of innovators and innovation-based entrepreneurs, and enhance their competitiveness.

The SPACE-F program has served as a launchpad for these new generations of entrepreneurs. With the collaboration of the program partners, it enables us to drive innovation and create a supportive environment for startups to thrive.

However, it is the startups’ own dedication, which is the driving force behind the growth of startups not only in Thailand but also on a global scale”

Dr. Tunyawat Kasemsuwan, Group Director, Global Innovation, Thai Union Group Public Company Limited discussed SPACE-F Program's commitments toward sustainability development in food industry. “Thai Union believes that SPACE-F will contribute in creating meaningful and sustainable change for the seafood industry. The early-stage startups pitching to you today were hand-selected as they demonstrated technologies that could play a role in creating value for the food industry, with technologies spanning in multiple areas, from upcycling food production byproducts into new products and ingredients, to the future of food with cell-based products.”

10 startups in SPACE-F Batch 4 Incubator Program

• BIRTH2022 Beyond Cold Brew Coffee, 3x concentrated fermented cold brew coffee with long shelf-life.
• ImpactFat: All about #GOODFAT - omega 3 rich cultivated fish fat that is tasty, nutritious and sustainable.
• Marinas Bio: Cell-cultivated seafood delicacies, focusing on the delectable parts that aquaculture struggles to produce efficiently.
• Mycovation: Novel Ingredients from Mycelium produced using fermentation technology.
• NutriCious: Healthy and delicious low-calorie beverages enriched with nutrients, including natural proteins from egg whites, milk, and more.
• Plant Origin: Egg alternative made with rice bran protein.
• Probicient: The world's first probiotic beer, bringing a healthier alternative to socialising that is great for your gut!
• The Kawa Project: Cheaper, less-toxic cocoa powder alternatives from coffee waste.
• Trumpkin: Revolutionary vegan cheese crafted from pumpkin seeds, a sustainable and flavorsome dairy alternative.
• Zima Sensors: A cutting-edge printable sensor technology enables continuous monitoring of package defects and leakages.

After the pitching session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Director, Institute for Technology and Innovation Management (iNT) discussed the role of Mahidol University in SPACE-F Program as a top research university that offers research resources, equipment, and experts in various fields to support future FoodTech Entrepreneurs.

Mahidol University started a program called Mahidol Pre-incubation for SPACE-F to help find talented students, professors, and researchers with innovations that match SPACE-F's interests.

“Today, one of the ten startups pitching on the stage is also a product of this pre-incubation program. We hope to do more scouting like this in the future.”

Lastly, in the closing remarks, Ms. Tongjai Thanachanan, Executive Vice President and Chief Sustainability and Strategy, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited highlighted the crucial role of the SPACE-F Program in connecting global innovations with Thailand, positioning the country as a global hub for food and beverage innovations.

“ThaiBev sees SPACE-F as an important platform to push forward several of UN Sustainable Development goals, including good health and wellbeing, responsible consumption and production, as well as climate action.”

Having successfully launched 4 batches, SPACE-F Program is dedicated to fostering the growth of FoodTech startups and innovations on a global scale. The program provides a unique platform for startups to access mentorship, business connections, and collaborative workspaces, allowing them to transform their ideas into successful ventures.

Startups, who are passionate about shaping the future of the food and beverage landscape, are invited to apply for Batch 5 of the SPACE-F Program. By joining this dynamic ecosystem, startups will have the opportunity to receive guidance from industry experts, collaborate with like-minded peers, and gain access to invaluable resources that will propel their growth.

Follow SPACE-F on the website, www.space-f.co, or social media platforms to stay informed on our activities, successes, and achievements of the startups in our cohorts, as well as the news regarding Batch 5.

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About the SPACE-F Program

The SPACE-F program aims to facilitate the development of innovative products in the food technology industry for startups. The program is designed to meet current and future challenges in the industry. Participating startups will receive advice from experts, opportunities to access networks and funding sources for business growth.

The scope of the startup participants in the SPACE-F program includes 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 participating startups in the SPACE-F program have the opportunity to use the facilities and amenities at the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, as well as the opportunity to create products for the market in collaboration with Thai Union Group PCL, one of the world's largest seafood producers. Furthermore, the SPACE-F program is open to startups without any equity ownership, allowing startups to fully own their ideas and products.

For more information about the SPACE-F program, please visit https://www.space-f.co