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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.
At the forefront of technical advancement, aerial robots are revolutionizing various sectors, including entertainment, logistics, agriculture, and defense. Unmanned aerial vehicles, sometimes known as drones, are highly complex robots that can function independently or with little assistance from humans. They are at the center of this revolution. These gadgets have entirely changed how we handle jobs like data collection, surveillance, and service delivery.
Several cutting-edge technologies form the technical basis of aerial robotics, allowing unmanned devices to carry out a wide range of activities effectively and safely. Sensors, onboard processors, control, and propulsion systems are essential.
Propulsion Systems
The propulsion system is essential for aerial robots since it supplies the thrust needed for flight. These systems usually employ either fixed-wing or rotary-wing designs, each tailored for a particular set of operations.
Fixed-Wing Propulsion
Drones with fixed wings are built using a traditional aircraft structure, in which the wings produce lift. These drones, which are powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines, are well-known for their energy efficiency and range, which makes them perfect for traveling large distances.
Rotatory Wing Propulsion
Rotary-wing drones—such as quadcopters or octocopters—rely on revolving propellers for lift and mobility. Each propeller's speed and direction can be adjusted for precise motions, such as hovering, vertical launch, and close-range work.
Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)
GPS provides location information, and accurate navigation and flight control are made possible by the IMU, which measures orientation, velocity, and acceleration.
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Optical Sensors
LiDAR creates intricate 3D maps of the environment using lasers, which helps in obstacle recognition and navigating over challenging terrain. For mapping, surveillance, and inspection applications, optical sensors—such as cameras and thermal imagers—gather visual data.
Onboard Processors and AI Algorithms
Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and strong onboard processors enable modern aerial robots to make snap judgments based on sensor data. These computers handle everything from essential flight control to intricate tasks like tracking, object identification, and autonomous mission planning.
Flight Control Algorithms
Even in changing settings, these algorithms provide steady flying by processing sensor information to modify speed, altitude, and direction. When performing intricate maneuvers, they are crucial for preserving control and balance.
AI and Machine Learning
AI-based drones can automatically identify, categorize, and follow objects or people. By learning from its surroundings and making judgments in real-time, machine learning algorithms enable the system to perform better over time, which is very helpful in applications like surveillance. ...Read more
London : The London Climate Technology Show 2024 is just 7 days away, as industry experts, business leaders, and influential decision-makers converge at ExCel London to chart the course towards a net-zero future.
Building on two years of remarkable success, the third edition of #CTS offers the ultimate networking platform for governments, organisations, and individuals to explore innovative sustainability solutions, tackle the climate crisis, and gain valuable insights into green tech advancements. Attendees can expect deep insights into decarbonisation strategies and transformative ideas that are accelerating the global transition to a net-zero world.
The show features an insightful conference, where 80+ renowned speakers are set to address some critical themes: achieving Net Zero and overall sustainability, innovations in AgriTech, the evolving landscape of carbon markets, and advances in climate tech. Among the distinguished speakers who will be contributing their expertise on these pivotal topics are:
● James Lockyer - Director, Climate Innovation Fund, Microsoft
● Mark Campanale - Founder & Executive Director, Carbon Tracker
● Laura Sandys - Chair, Green Alliance
● Guy Newey - CEO, Energy Systems Catapult
● Olivia Powis - UK Director, Carbon Capture and Storage Association (CCSA)
● Doug Parr - Chief Scientist and Policy Director, Greenpeace UK
● Robert Trezona - Founding Partner, Kiko Ventures
● Fredrick Royan - Global Practice Area Leader, Sustainability and Circular Economy, Frost & Sullivan
● Dr. Stefan Kaufmann - Member of the Bundestag, German Bundestag
● Click here to check all speakers
The event also features a diverse range of exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge solutions and innovations across sustainability and climate technologies. Among the exhibitors are Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) companies like CGI and Terra CO2 Technology; Carbon Management & Accounting companies like Greenly and Gaia Carbon Accounting; Carbon Offsetting and Trading companies like Carbonsafe and Carbon Asset Solutions (CAS); Emerging Climate Technologies like Nabla Flow and Luna 9; Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Solution providers like Immtell and Electryone AI; Sustainable Energy Solutions like Asuene, Applied Works, Carbon Reduction Technologies like Freeze Carbon and Coomtech, and many more. Click to explore the entire list.
With thousands of industry professionals convened under one-roof, #CTS24 offers an opportunity for exhibitors to meet business partners in a highly engaging conducive environment.
Complementing the main program, #CTS24 also hosts engaging side events such as Startup Acceleration Programs, workshops, etc fostering further opportunities for learning and collaboration and enhancing understanding of key issues and trends. This initiative aims to provide vital support for sustainable endeavours, thereby accelerating the adoption of eco-friendly technologies and practices.
Join us for this year’s most exciting netzero event and explore what is on offer to tackle the pressing challenges of climate change. Click Here To Register.
In case of any queries, you can contact us at: press@valiantandcompany.com ...Read more
Nanotechnology is poised to transform numerous fields, from medicine and electronics to materials science and environmental sustainability. Innovations in nanoscale materials and applications are enhancing existing technologies and also paving the way for new solutions to complex challenges, such as drug delivery, energy storage and pollution control. This exploration of the next frontier underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical considerations, ensuring that the benefits of nanotechnology are harnessed responsibly for a sustainable future.
Research and development in nanotechnology have led to groundbreaking innovations, enabling the creation of tailored materials with specific properties at the nanoscale. This advancement has significantly expanded the materials science toolkit available to researchers, process engineers, and companies. The ability to manufacture lighter, stronger, more durable and more reactive nanomaterials has opened up new possibilities across various scientific fields.
Advancements in Materials Science
The production of nanoscale materials has resulted in enhanced electrical conductivity and complex architectures, making them suitable for a wide range of applications at the forefront of materials science. Nanotechnology encompasses diverse scientific disciplines, including surface science, molecular biology, molecular engineering, organic chemistry, energy storage, and semiconductor physics. This broad scope has facilitated the field's rapid evolution, with many nanoscale materials and processes transitioning from laboratory research to everyday commercial products.
Promising Applications in Electronics and Energy
Nanotechnology holds immense promise in sectors such as electronics and clean energy. For instance, carbon nanotubes are anticipated to replace silicon as the primary material for next-generation electronic products. Their unique properties allow for the development of faster and more efficient microchips and quantum nanowires, enhancing storage capacities, battery life, and security. In energy, nanostructured catalysts improve fuel cell efficiency, while nanofluids strengthen the efficiency of solar connectors. Quantum dots and carbon nanotubes further boost energy absorption in solar cells, positioning nanotechnology as a crucial player in the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Environmental Applications
Nanotechnology is also making significant strides in environmental applications, particularly in carbon capture technology. For example, a carbon capture platform developed by MIT researchers utilized carbon nanotubes in its design. While progress has been made, the full potential of nanotechnology in improving carbon capture methods remains to be explored, with ongoing research aimed at further advancements.
Impact on Biomedicine
Nanotechnology has led to numerous noteworthy applications in biomedicine, including the development of new diagnostic tools, drug delivery systems, and vaccines. Ongoing research in this area has the potential to transform healthcare by offering innovative solutions to complex medical challenges.
Addressing the Food Crisis
Finally, nanotechnology is being leveraged in the food industry to tackle significant challenges, such as the global food crisis. With the world’s population increasing, there is an urgent need for agricultural systems to produce more food. Reducing food waste has been identified as a critical strategy, as approximately one-third of food is wasted. Recent innovations include the use of nanoparticles to create coatings for fruits that extend shelf life, underscoring the potential of nanotechnology in enhancing food security in the future.
The progression of nanotechnology will require cross-sectoral involvement from scientists, governments, civil society organizations, and the general public to assess its role effectively. Over the next three years, continued development is expected, leading to further scientific breakthroughs. Anticipated advances in nanomedicine may enhance diagnostics, targeted therapy, and imaging. Additionally, improvements in smart devices are expected, including advancements in hygiene, surfaces, nanocoatings, improved performance, battery life and miniaturization.
As researchers continue to unlock the capabilities of nanoscale materials and systems, integrating nanotechnology into various sectors is expected to lead to innovative solutions that enhance quality of life. However, it is crucial to approach these advancements with a commitment to safety, ethics and regulatory frameworks that ensure responsible development. Fostering collaboration across disciplines and engaging with stakeholders can maximize the benefits of nanotechnology while mitigating potential risks, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future. ...Read more
Climate change is a pressing global issue that requires innovative solutions. Technology, often seen as a double-edged sword, is a key tool in adapting to this challenge. It offers renewable energy solutions and data-driven analytics, enhancing resilience and sustainable development. The renewable energy revolution, driven by technological advancements, provides clean alternatives to fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on finite resources.
Technological innovations in energy storage, such as lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage, address intermittency issues, enabling a reliable transition to renewable sources. Smart grids and demand-side management technologies optimize energy distribution, enhancing efficiency and resilience in the face of climate-induced disruptions. Agriculture, vulnerable to climate variability, transforms technology-driven solutions. Precision agriculture employs sensors, drones, and satellite imagery to accurately monitor soil health, crop growth, and water usage. Genetic engineering and biotechnology offer drought-resistant crops and disease-resistant strains, bolstering food security amidst changing climatic conditions.
Infrastructure resilience lies at the heart of climate change adaptation, with technology playing a pivotal role in its enhancement. Advanced modelling techniques and simulation software enable engineers to design infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events, from fortified coastal defences to resilient urban infrastructure. Sensor networks and Internet of Things (IoT) devices facilitate real-time infrastructure integrity monitoring, enabling proactive maintenance and rapid response to climate-induced disruptions, minimizing downtime and economic losses. Nature-based solutions harness the inherent resilience of ecosystems to mitigate climate risks and enhance adaptation efforts.
Green infrastructure, encompassing green roofs, urban forests, and permeable pavements, reduces the urban heat island effect, mitigates flood risks, and enhances biodiversity. Technological innovations such as bioengineering and ecological restoration techniques amplify the effectiveness of nature-based solutions, offering scalable and cost-effective strategies for climate resilience in urban and rural landscapes. In the era of big data, harnessing vast amounts of information becomes instrumental in climate change adaptation. Remote sensing technologies, artificial intelligence, and machine learning algorithms analyze complex environmental data to predict and mitigate climate-related risks.
From early warning systems for weather events to predictive models for disease outbreaks, data-driven decision-making empowers policymakers and stakeholders to formulate adaptive strategies with precision and foresight, enhancing resilience across sectors and communities. Technology catalyzes community engagement and climate education, fostering collective action and behavioral change. Social media platforms, augmented reality, mobile applications, and virtual reality experiences raise awareness about climate change impacts and adaptation strategies, empowering individuals to take proactive measures in their daily lives. Digital platforms facilitate peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and collaboration, enabling communities to co-create innovative solutions tailored to local contexts and needs.
Technology emerges as a tough ally in the quest for adaptation and resilience. From renewable energy solutions to precision agriculture and climate-resilient infrastructure, technological innovations offer various opportunities to mitigate weather shift impacts and foster sustainable development. By harnessing the power of data-driven decision-making and promoting community engagement, we can navigate the complexities of climate change with resilience and ingenuity, forging a path toward a more sustainable and resilient future for future generations. Collaboration, innovation, and collective action remain imperative in addressing the defining challenge of our time. ...Read more