The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), through the National Innovation Agency (NIA), has joined forces with Thai Union Group PCL, Mahidol University, and key industry partners—including Thai Beverage PCL, Lotte Fine Chemical Co. Ltd., Nestlé (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Deloitte Thailand, and a network of other leading food industry companies—to bolster investment opportunities in Thailand’s food industry and FoodTech startups. This collaboration is being channelled through the SPACE-F Batch 5 programme. Over the past five years, SPACE-F has nurtured over 80 startups from 18 countries, generating more than 2 billion baht in investment value. 

This year, the initiative welcomes 18 high-potential startups into its Incubator and Accelerator Programmes, focusing on sustainability and the future of food. The programme underscores Thailand’s ambitions to become a global hub for food technology innovation and to position its FoodTech startups on the world stage.

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), stated, NIA, in its role as a Focal Conductor of Innovation, is committed to propelling Thailand towards becoming an innovation-driven nation through the Groom– Grant–Growth–Global strategy. This encompasses funding support, entrepreneurial capacity building, access to innovation infrastructure, and adaptability to change. Our efforts are focused on leveraging innovation to drive growth and add value in key target industries. One such pivotal sector is food innovation, which we have supported through SPACE-F, a global incubator and accelerator programme for food technology businesses. SPACE-F is designed to support FoodTech startups, both domestic and international, in developing market-driven products and serving as a key driver for enhancing Thailand’s competitive edge amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape.

“SPACE-F serves as a platform to incubate and accelerate FoodTech startups, fostering collaboration between public and private sector partners to create opportunities for access to networks, funding, and expert guidance. Its mission is to enhance the potential of FoodTech startups, enabling them to develop market-relevant business plans and innovative products that address both current and future challenges. This platform empowers startups to achieve exponential growth, transforming the food industry into a more robust and sustainable sector on both national and global scales.

Over its five-year journey, SPACE-F has attracted an impressive investment of 2 billion baht from domestic and international sources, supporting over 80 startups from 18 countries in developing innovative products and businesses that meet modern demands. This underscores Thailand’s position as a global hub for food technology. Furthermore, SPACE-F aligns with the government’s vision of promoting Thailand as the ‘Kitchen of the World.’ With its rich natural resources, ongoing investment in food innovation, and unwavering commitment to food safety standards, Thailand continues to excel in the global food industry.

In 2023, Thailand ranked as the world’s 12th largest food exporter, with an export value of 1.255 trillion baht, an improvement of three places from its 15th position in 2022. The Thai food industry’s success is driven by several strengths, such as a diverse agricultural output that provides year-round raw materials for various food production and processing, creativity, innovation expertise, and a strategic geographic location ideal for logistics, distribution, and investment,” added Dr Krithpaka.

Mr Tawat Suthasineenont, Group Director Global (Innovation), Thai Union Group PLC, shared, Thai Union envisions a future for the food industry that thrives on innovation and sustainability, with a commitment to “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans, we firmly believe that the future of food depends on sustainable practices, particularly in the development of alternative protein sources with a lower environmental impact, reducing food waste, and enhancing nutritional value.

This vision aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the SPACE-F programme, which seeks to attract global partners to join our initiatives. The startups within SPACE-F are leveraging technology and innovation to elevate the sustainability of food systems while driving meaningful advancements. We are confident that the startups presenting their projects in SPACE-F Batch 5 will play a pivotal role in developing a sustainable food supply chain and fostering collaboration for future growth.

Associate Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Vice President for Research at Mahidol University, expressed his gratitude during the SPACE-F Batch 5 Incubator Demo Day. “Thank you for joining us today for this milestone event. On behalf of Mahidol University, I am delighted to be part of this successful occasion and to see so many of you staying until the conclusion of the pitching sessions. I hope you enjoyed the SPACE-F event and were inspired by the remarkable innovation pitches and showcases from 10 Food-Tech startups originating from Thailand, Singapore, India, and China,” he said.

Thailand’s food industries have long been a key growth engine aligned with the targeted S-curve industries and the “Thailand Future Food Initiative.” Over recent years, Thailand’s Food-Tech and Agri-Tech entrepreneurs and startups have gained significant attention and momentum, showcasing their strengths both nationally and internationally. Many of these successes have been facilitated by the SPACE-F programme, which has paved the way for numerous startups to thrive.

Over the past five years, SPACE-F has cultivated a robust ecosystem for Food-Tech startups from Thailand and around the world. Today, it is regarded as one of the most established startup incubator and accelerator programmes, globally recognised as Thailand’s first Food-Tech Startup Incubator and Accelerator. Since its inception in 2019, SPACE-F has provided a co-innovation lab, dedicated workspaces, and comprehensive mentoring and consulting programmes.

What sets SPACE-F apart is the strong partnership between its co-founders and stakeholders. These include the government sector, represented by NIA; private sector giants such as Thai Union, Thai Bev, Lotte Fine Chemical, and Nestlé (Thai); and the academic sector, led by Mahidol University. Together, they have created a thriving startup ecosystem in Thailand.

Mahidol University, with its corporate strategies focused on global research, innovation, and entrepreneurial education, has made significant contributions through high-quality research, innovative developments, and a steady supply of globally competitive graduates. As one of the nation’s leading research universities, Mahidol, through its Institute for Technology and Innovation Management and Faculty of Science, has provided cutting-edge research facilities, equipment, and expert guidance in various fields to support the next generation of SPACE-F Food-Tech entrepreneurs.

Notably, SPACE-F alumni startups like MUI Robotics (Batch 5), Nutricious (Batch 4), and Advanced GreenFarm (Batch 1 and 2) exemplify this success. Their founders and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are Mahidol University faculty members, and many team members are Mahidol students. These inspiring examples demonstrate how students, researchers, and professors from Thai universities can drive impactful innovations for the nation, particularly under initiatives like the “Thailand Future Food Initiative.”

The journey of SPACE-F alumni highlights the powerful benefits of the programme and the vibrant Food-Tech community it has fostered, both within Thailand and globally.

Dr. Yodchanan concluded by expressing heartfelt gratitude to all SPACE-F partners for their dedication to achieving the programme’s vision and mission. He extended special thanks to the teams from NIA, Thai Union, and Mahidol University, particularly the Faculty of Science team, for their efforts behind the scenes in connecting people and driving the project to its current success.

“I strongly hope that SPACE-F will continue to thrive and lead the future of Food-Tech and Agri-Tech industries, both for Thailand and beyond,” he said.

Mr Victor Seah, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Indochina, shared his thoughts, saying, This year marks Nestlé’s inaugural participation in the SPACE-F programme, and it has been an inspiring and eye-opening experience. Witnessing the agile ways in which startups operate has been a valuable learning opportunity, even for a large corporation like Nestlé, enabling us to adapt and evolve more swiftly.

We are deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to support these promising startups through mentorship, resource sharing, and immersive experiences such as visits to Nestlé’s factory in Navanakorn and our Research and Development Centre in Singapore. These initiatives are designed to bring startups closer to realising their dreams.

The collaboration between government, private sector, and academic institutions—such as the National Innovation Agency (Public Organisation), Mahidol University, Thai Union, and leading partners like ThaiBev, Lotte Fine Chemical, and Deloitte—has strengthened this robust ecosystem.

At Nestlé, we firmly believe in the power of innovation and the vision of SPACE-F to drive startup growth. We take immense pride in witnessing their progress and successes, and we remain committed to supporting their journey in the years to come.

Another key partner, Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev), plays a pivotal role in conducting Proof of Concept (POC) initiatives. These initiatives provide Food-Tech startups with the opportunity to test and refine their products in real-world environments, enhancing quality, building credibility, and creating pathways to develop market-ready solutions that meet genuine consumer demands.

In addition, ThaiBev is committed to promoting sustainability within the business ecosystem through several programmes including supporting clean energy initiatives, fostering the Thailand Supply Chain Network (TSCN), and advancing responsible sustainability practices across the supply chain.

ThaiBev serves as a vital driving force, enabling startups to flourish within a balanced business ecosystem that integrates economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This partnership not only strengthens the Food-Tech and technology sectors but also fortifies Thailand’s standing on the global stage.

The 18 startup teams in the SPACE-F Batch 5 programme represent the forefront of food-tech innovation, focusing on sustainable solutions and products. Among them, nine startups are part of the Incubator Programme, showcasing groundbreaking ideas, including:

1. Full Circle Co., Ltd.: Thailand’s first company to pioneer solutions for reducing single-use packaging, promoting environmental sustainability.
2. Another Food: Innovates coffee products derived from plant cells using advanced cell-culturing technology.
3. Cantrak: Provides software for the food and agriculture sectors designed to minimise CO₂ emissions by tracking activities from cultivation through to harvesting and production.
4. Nanozeree: Produces supplements enriched with probiotics and prebiotics, employing Nano Encapsulation technology for enhanced efficacy.
5. Anuvi Food Sciences: Creates food ingredients from microorganisms sourced from the ethanol industry, leveraging fermentation to produce mycoprotein.
6. Algrow Biosciences Pte. Ltd.: Specialises in high-protein ingredients derived from algae, using clean and innovative extraction techniques to deliver maximum value.
7. Flavour: Develops pet food products through fermentation technology, converting agricultural by-products into flavour-rich formulations.
8. Beijing BangyaBangya Technology: Introduces a beverage made from mung bean sprouts, specifically designed to alleviate hangovers.
9. KronoLife Co., Ltd.: Produces anti-aging supplements and cosmetics, targeting senescent cells to promote healthier skin and overall rejuvenation.

The Accelerator Programme in the SPACE-F Batch 5 initiative features nine innovative food-tech startups that are driving advancements in sustainable and cutting-edge solutions:

1. SEATOBAG PTE LTD: Develops microbial-based nutrients for aquafeed, enhancing digestion and absorption in aquatic animals.
2. N&E Innovations: Creates antimicrobial agents and food-coating films derived from cashew nut shells, promoting food preservation and safety.
3. Biodefense led by BioShield: Produces food coatings that extend the shelf life of fresh produce, reducing waste in fruits, vegetables, and meat products.
4. UniFAHS: Utilises phage technology to naturally control pathogenic bacteria in livestock and aquaculture production, minimising the need for antibiotics.
5. Prefer Pte Ltd: Offers a coffee-like substitute made by fermenting bread, soybeans, and barley, delivering authentic flavour profiles through innovative fermentation techniques.
6. Fattastic Technologies Pte Ltd: Develops a platform for producing plant-based fats that can be customised for various food applications, enhancing versatility across the food industry.
7. MUI Robotics Co., Ltd.: Introduces Artificial Sense technology for aroma and taste, optimising the quality, efficiency, and standards of food and beverage production.
8. Aquivio: Provides automatic water dispensers and functional water services, allowing consumers to personalise water features to match their preferences and needs.
9. Ingrediome Inc.: Develops algae-based animal protein that closely resembles real meat, utilising an eco-friendly production process.

In an exciting development for the food-tech industry, SPACE-F Batch 6 are now open, inviting innovative startups from around the globe to participate. The program offers expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to cutting-edge resources. Apply now to accelerate your growth and make impactful connections in the food-tech community. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.space-f.co/