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Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit, Singapore, October 26-28
Asia’s agri-food system needs help. With global shocks highlighting import link weaknesses, rapid economic growth, and huge structural transformation across the region
By
Applied Technology Review | Wednesday, September 14, 2022
Asia’s agri-food system needs help. With global shocks highlighting import link weaknesses, rapid economic growth, and huge structural transformation across the region, the need to build strong, resilient supply chains has never been more urgent.
The fifth annual Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit presents 50 regional and international innovators who are pioneering breakthrough technologies in agri-food, to ensure food security and build capacity in Asia and beyond.
“Given the complex challenges Asia's food system faces, the need for fast-paced, scalable innovation has never been greater. The summit creates opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect directly with investors and corporate partners, to bring their solutions to scale and change the agri-food landscape for the benefit of all. I am excited to witness the collaborations stemming from the conference this October” says Theresa Flach, the summit’s Conference Producer and technology scout.
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Start-ups are celebrated throughout the summit programme, with a pre-summit pitch day, themed innovation showcases across the three-day agenda, and a dedicated start-up exhibition space.
Innovation Showcases
12 start-ups from the Asia-Pacific region will pitch their solution to a panel of industry judges across four themed innovation showcases covering Agtech, Foodtech, Aquaculture and CEA & Vertical Farming.
AgTech Takes the Stage
• Qzense (India) aims to minimise and eliminate post-harvest food loss with its IoT solution that quickly and accurately grades fresh food. The technology employs a unique combination of near-infrared spectral sensors and olfactory sensors for analysis of internal spoilage, ripeness, sweetness, and shelf life.
• Boomitra (India & US) uses satellite and AI to measure a variety of soil properties including soil carbon, soil moisture and nitrogen, and provides an end-to-end solution where farmers are able to grow more with less through carbon farming.
• CH4 Global (Australia) provides seaweed-based Asparagopsis products to farmers worldwide so they can dramatically reduce the methane emissions of their livestock and realize significant value in the process.
CEA & Vertical Farming Spotlight
• Future Farms (Malaysia) aims to season-proof agriculture by building decentralized, remote-controlled farms. Future Farms promise that their services provide endless customization and are infinitely scalable.
• Grobrix (Singapore) presents a unique solution to indoor farming by combining the best of furniture with farming. Its soilless vertical farming design offers a cleaner, simpler, more efficient way to grow fresh, healthy food.
• Distar Fresh (Thailand) is a subscription service indoor farm that delivers pesticide-free medical grade vegetables from farm to door that are harvested all-year round.
Blue Food Shark Tank
• Forte Biotech (Singapore) provides diagnostic solutions to allow prawn farmers to ‘earn more’, with its patented product ‘RAPID’ (Robust Accurate Prawn Infection Detector) – developed in partnership with NUS – that enables farmers to detect diseases early and take mitigative action without the need for expert help.
• Sea Green (Singapore) is an ecosystem services provider, with a mission to deliver connectivity and services to the growing seaweed industry. Using blockchain technology, the company will maximise financial service integration for smallholders, and harness data to drive research into the potential of macroalgae.
• Magalarva (Indonesia) aims to provide sustainable protein for feed by bio-converting organic sidestreams using Black Soldier Fly larvae. The company is closing the loop by eliminating organic waste from producers including food and beverage factories, hotels and plantations.
Raising the Stakes in Food-Tech
• SeaSpire (India) blends cutting-edge technologies, digital tools and nutrition packed plant-based ingredients to develop plant-based cousins of the world's favourite marine species. SeaSpire's bioprinting tech promises whole muscle structures with no compromise on taste, texture and affordability.
• Magic Valley (Australia) is an Australian food company developing healthy and delicious cultivated meat products. Focused on building a better global food system, Magic Valley believes the solution is cultivated meat, where meat is grown without the animal.
• Float Foods (Singapore) is a company that believes in the power of plants. Singaporeans consume 2 billion eggs per year, but 74% of them are imported, a fact that became a problem during the pandemic - which is when Float Foods started developing Asia's first plant-based whole egg, OnlyEg.
Industry judges include leaders from Main Sequence Ventures, Spacetime Ventures, Innoget, Alune Aquaculture, Aqua-Spark, VisVires New Protein and Unovis Asset Management.
Start-Up Exhibition Powered by True
A buzzing part of the networking exhibition at the summit, the Start-Up Exhibition Powered by True Search is where delegates can connect with exciting international start-ups face-to-face.
"As a founder-led firm with innovation at the core of our culture, we are thrilled to sponsor a summit featuring so many disruptive and purpose-driven companies. The transformation of our food industry is essential, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide talent solutions for these world-changing businesses" says Desmond O'Brien, Partner at True Search.
Exhibitors include:
Newschool Foods (Canada) produces whole-cut meat alternatives using a proprietary food structuring technology, offering a more authentic, scalable and cost-effective product.
Forte Biotech (Singapore) provides diagnostic solutions to allow prawn farmers to detect diseases early and take mitigative action using its patented product ‘RAPID’.
Sea Green (Singapore) is an ecosystem services provider, with a mission to deliver connectivity and services to the growing seaweed industry using blockchain technology.
Vitality Foods (Singapore) is developing plant-based foods designed to improve the health of elderly populations, addressing muscle maintenance issues and risk of metabolic diseases.
Bluu Seafood (Germany) produces cultivated seafood using proven technology that enables them to select the best performing cell cultures from any fish species.
Agros (Singapore) provides smallholder farmers with technologies, inputs, advice and financing while helping make farms climate-resilient for generations to come.
Miruku (New Zealand) combines deep farming traditions and computational biology to produce a range of animal-free dairy products including cheese, ice cream and yoghurt.
Pre-Summit Pitch Day
Featuring groups of up-and-coming start-ups presented by Singapore’s leading agri-food accelerators and international trade groups, the pre-summit pitch day on October 25 is an exclusive invite-only event for venture capitalists and corporate investors to connect with start-ups ahead of the summit.
Attendees will have the chance to network as well as hearing quick-fire pitches from the most exciting entrepreneurs breaking into the agri-food scene.
Start-up groups will be presented by:
• The Canadian High Commission
• Enterprise Singapore
• GROW Accelerator
• Trendlines
With more to be announced.
On the Main Agenda
Innovators are a critical part of the conversation, and the summit spotlights industry talent as entrepreneurs at various stages of scale-up share their perspectives in panels alongside major agribusinesses, food brands, investors, regulators and technology providers:
AgTech
• Amith Agarwal (Agribazaar) will present a case study on sustainable agriculture covering everything from pilot to scale.
• Gilad Gershon (Tropic Biosciences) will demonstrate how to harness advanced gene editing to prevent Banana Panama Disease.
• David Jun (Greenlabs) will discuss key points on how to drive digital transformation in the Korean agtech space.
• Chakradhar Gade (Country Delight) will connect the dots from farm to fork while presenting his insights on supply chain digitization.
• Mohit Pande (Cropin) and Dhruv Sawhney (Nurture.Farm) will bring their unique perspectives on driving technology adoption and scaling digital farming platforms in India.
CEA & Vertical Farming
• Jay Desan (BoomGrow), Jack Moy (Sustenir), Chris Lee (N.THING) and David Farquhar (IGS) will join the Vertical Farming Leaders Forum, focused on increasing support for innovation in precision growing.
• Tom Adams (Pairwise) and Derek Drost (Unfold) will explore the milestones that have been achieved in seed breeding and genetics for CEA and vertical farming.
• Eleanor Choong (Sunway XFarms) will focus on advancing resource efficiency and waste valorisation in urban food production.
Aquaculture
• Gibran Huzaifah (eFishery) and John Diener (Vertical Oceans) will join the Blue Food Leaders Forum, discussing how to transform aquaculture with digital solutions.
• Lou Cooperhouse (BlueNalu) will argue the case for strengthening seafood supply chains through the wider adoption of alternative proteins.
• Leo Wein (Protenga) and Gaetan Crielaard (Entobel) will talk one on one in a fireside chat focused on the acceleration of novel ingredients.
Food-Tech & Alternative Proteins
• XL Lin (Esco Aster), Sandhya Sriram (Shiok Meats), Didier Toubia (Aleph Farms), Amy Chen (Upside Foods) and Maarten Bosch (Mosa Meat) will deep-dive into cultivated proteins and the complexities of building supply chains to accelerate market growth.
• Helga Angelina Tjahjadi (Green Rebel) will explore new trends emerging for plant-based protein production advancement.
• Alex Ward (Next Gen Foods), Xun Wang (Triton Algae Innovations), Liat Lachish Levy (ChickP) and Jem Kim (BriteBelly) will meet on stage to discuss the innovation needed to produce green and clean plant-based protein.
• Justin Chou (Growthwell Foods) will present the benefits of diversifying portfolios of plant-based proteins, with specific reference to Asian tastes.
• Sunil Sukumaran (Perfect Day) and Jan Pacas (All G Foods) will share what they have learnt as leaders in fermentation and discuss the challenges of scaling production.
• Aaron Yeo (Eat Just) will engage the audience with an intimate fireside chat focused on consumer awareness, understanding and acceptance of novel food products.
• Nick Hazell (V2Food) will help close day one of the summit, looking at the bigger picture of how to build a thriving agri-food ecosystem in Asia-Pacific.
• Fern Ho (Leaf Protein) will prepare food live on stage as part of the Foods of the Future cooking demo.
London : The 3rd edition of the London Climate Technology Show concluded last week, paving a vital roadmap towards fully decarbonising our planet through sustainable technologies. The event brought together policymakers, eco-technology leaders, industry professionals, and innovators, all unified in their call for an immediate shift to sustainable and green solutions to secure a better future for the planet.
The two-day event opened on 27th November with an inspiring keynote by Felicity Burch, Executive Director of the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit at the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), who spoke about AI Innovation in Clean Energy and the DSIT's Manchester Prize . Following her, Ing. Abigail Cutajar, CEO of the Climate Action Authority, talked about Pioneering the Surge Towards Climate and Energy Transitions.
The conference unfolded over two dynamic days, featuring a packed agenda of insightful presentations and engaging panel discussions. It delved into actionable strategies for decarbonisation, advancements in AgriTech, the evolving carbon market, eco-funds, energy, CCS, built environment and other groundbreaking innovations in climate technology.
Notable discussions highlighted the need for farmers to balance carbon stewardship with food production over the next few decades, the importance of consistent government policies to enable businesses to plan and innovate effectively, and the urgency of addressing digital and engineering skill shortages to ensure a successful green energy transition. Industry experts also called for common sustainability metrics to measure corporate efforts fairly, emphasized the value of collaboration over competition to accelerate the green transition, and underscored the need for farmers to access landscape-level data to enhance biodiversity.
The exhibition hall featured groundbreaking innovations and solutions in sustainability and climate technology, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) from companies like CGI and Terra CO2 Technology, carbon management and accounting solutions by Greenly and Gaia Carbon Accounting, and emerging climate technologies from innovators such as Nabla Flow and Luna 9. Other exhibitors showcased AI-driven solutions, sustainable energy systems, and innovative carbon reduction technologies, presenting a comprehensive snapshot of the future of climate tech.
#CTS24 also hosted interactive side events, including startup acceleration programs and hands-on workshops, providing participants with opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration. These sessions empowered attendees to adopt transformative technologies and take decisive climate action.
Attendee Experiences
The event received overwhelming positive feedback:
● Mark Haley , Co-founder of Cero3, shared, "We’re so proud to have unveiled our sustainable travel planner. The feedback and interest exceeded our expectations."
● Satyajit Mohanan , Projects and Business Development Coordinator at Cambridge Cleantech, remarked, "It was a pleasure to be part of this event. I met amazing people and look forward to the next edition."
● Dennis Chacko , Senior Sales Manager at the British Board of Agreement, shared his excitement over a unique sustainable pen: "Once used, you can plant it to grow something new—a powerful reminder of how everyday items can contribute to a greener future."
As this successful edition concludes, the organisers are already planning for a bigger, more impactful 4th Edition , with expanded content and greater opportunities to drive meaningful change toward a sustainable future.
...Read more
The increasing human population and demand for clothing are inevitable, but manufacturers must balance their efforts without overextending themselves. AI can help meet demand without exceeding supply, ensuring the sustainability of the planet's finite resources.
Apparel manufacturing uses AI in the following ways:
Enhancing the grading of materials: Although the human eye is a remarkable instrument, it is also fallible. Grading yarn and other base materials are one area where AI improves quality control (QC).
As a result of applying AI to this area, cost savings are realized, and the fundamental materials used in apparel manufacturing can be graded more precisely. Thus, AI can maintain a higher standard for materials than humans alone, thereby increasing the quality of finished garments.
Increasing the accuracy of final product inspections: A piece of fruit can even be discerned from its skin if it has been bruised through machine learning and computer vision.
Textiles and apparel manufacturing are equally inspiring applications. The condition and salability of newly made and previously worn garments can be assessed by algorithms coupled with specialty illumination systems. By measuring the amount of light that is transmitted and reflected, AI can determine whether a piece of fabric or a garment meets current quality standards at a glance.
The likelihood of Type I and Type II errors in a manufacturing setting was 17.8 percent and 29.8 percent, respectively. In the former case, inspectors miss real defects, while in the latter, false positives are made.
Apparel manufacturers can keep costs and errors down by using AI-powered automated inspection software. Identifying substandard yarn early in the manufacturing process can deliver value throughout the supply chain.
A tailor-made solution for the apparel industry: Artificial intelligence
Another area where AI can shine is sustainable and customized manufacturing. To facilitate cheaper and less resource-intensive custom clothing manufacturing, modern imaging techniques allow end-users to create 3D renderings of their bodies. ...Read more
Practical technology is catalyzing sector convergence, which entails the dissolution of conventional distinctions among diverse industries. This phenomenon fosters novel business paradigms, value constellations, and prospects, enabling organizations to harness technologies and proficiencies beyond their primary domain.
Key Technological Catalysts
Several transformative technologies are serving as the primary drivers of industry convergence, providing the infrastructure and capabilities that enable cross-sector collaboration and the creation of new value. The Internet of Things (IoT) connects physical assets to digital networks, generating vast streams of data that integrate physical and virtual operations. For example, smartwatches and fitness trackers, initially consumer electronics, now serve the healthcare sector by supporting remote patient monitoring and preventative care. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) build on this data by enabling advanced analytics, driving smarter decision-making, and delivering hyper-personalized services across various industries. Retailers utilize AI to predict consumer trends, optimize supply chains, and personalize shopping experiences. At the same time, financial institutions leverage it for fraud detection and algorithmic trading, thereby blurring the boundaries between technology and traditional banking. Blockchain adds another dimension by offering a secure, transparent framework for managing transactions and data across multiple parties, streamlining cross-sector collaboration in areas such as supply chain management by reducing reliance on intermediaries. The rollout of 5G connectivity provides the speed and low latency necessary to support these technologies at scale, enabling real-time communication between devices and seamless integration across various industries. Autonomous vehicles, for instance, depend on instantaneous connectivity with smart city infrastructure and other cars, exemplifying the convergence of automotive, telecommunications, and urban planning.
Impact on Business and Society
Sector convergence is profoundly altering conventional business paradigms. A single product or service no longer defines enterprises; instead, they are evolving into comprehensive ecosystems that deliver an array of integrated solutions. This evolution fosters novel opportunities for innovation, concurrently introducing complexities such as navigating intricate regulatory frameworks and managing data privacy across disparate sectors. From a consumer perspective, this convergence facilitates enhanced convenience, personalization, and seamless experiences; however, it also raises concerns regarding data security and market dominance. As the trajectory of applied technology continues its advancement, the demarcations between industries will inevitably diminish, thereby ushering in a future characterized by interconnected and integrated services.
Ultimately, applied technology transcends mere efficiency; it represents a fundamental force for change, reshaping the very structure of our economy. The future will be defined by ecosystems of integrated services, where companies succeed not by dominating a single sector, but by seamlessly connecting their offerings with others. This era of convergence promises unprecedented innovation and convenience for consumers. Yet, it also necessitates a proactive approach from businesses and policymakers to navigate the challenges of regulation, data privacy, and market power. Embracing this paradigm shift is crucial for companies seeking to develop in a world where the distinctions between sectors no longer exist. ...Read more
SCADA systems have long formed the backbone of industrial automation. They play a central role in many processes, from manufacturing to utility management, providing an overview and regulation. With the advancement of technology, the future looks set to change considerably for SCADA systems. Emerging trends redefine how SCADA works, further enhancing its capabilities and integrating it into the bigger context of industrial technology.
As it has evolved, SCADA has become integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT), generating massive data that leads to better decisions and process optimization. SCADA systems have begun integrating with IoT devices to provide more accurate and timely data across numerous inputs, improving operational efficiency and giving more profound insights into system performance.
It is revolutionizing the industry by adopting scalable, flexible, and cost-effective solutions that are much sought after by industrial requirements. These enable remote access to system data and controls, making management and troubleshooting easier. The shift towards the cloud has improved data storage and analysis capabilities for robust analytics and historical data review.
Cybersecurity is essential because SCADA systems are rapidly intertwining with other digital platforms. With increased cyber threats today, more security systems are needed to protect sensitive industrial information and ensure the system's integrity. Future SCADA systems will likely incorporate more complex cybersecurity features, including advanced encryptions, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring against potential threats. Advanced security protocols would be crucial in protecting these systems from cyberattacks while ensuring the dependability of critical infrastructure.
AI and machine learning are also increasingly making headlines in the future of SCADA systems. AI algorithms can read vast volumes of data generated by SCADA systems to identify trends, predict when a piece of equipment needs to be serviced, and optimize all related processes. AI-powered predictive analytics can help prevent equipment failures, minimize time loss, and enhance system efficiency. Thus, AI in SCADA has marked a significant milestone in managing industrial processes more proactively, intelligently, and streamlined.
The trend toward edge computing impacts SCADA systems. Edge computing is a form of data processing closer to the source rather than being sent to the centralized cloud or data center. Since this reduces latency and improves response times, it also reduces the amount of data needing to be transmitted over networks. This can enhance SCADA's real-time monitoring and control, making management decisions more efficient. ...Read more