SPACE-F Batch III is spearheading innovation in Asia's FoodTech sector through its premier Accelerator and Incubator Program.

BANGKOK, March 25, 2022 – SPACE-F, Thailand's pioneering FoodTech startup incubator and accelerator, unveiled its third batch in November 2021. The program commenced in early February, welcoming 18 startups from diverse locations including Thailand, Singapore, the USA, Canada, Finland, France, Hong Kong, and Poland. SPACE-F was established through a collaboration among the National Innovation Agency (NIA), Thai Union Group PCL, and Mahidol University, offering a unique and practical curriculum designed to assist startups in identifying solutions to problems and achieving product-market fit. Dr. Pun-arj Chairatana, Executive Director at NIA, highlighted, “SPACE-F is an international initiative by NIA and its partners, welcoming startups worldwide interested in the Southeast Asian market. Our goal is to facilitate startup growth by integrating various supports without taking equity, aiming to enhance the Food Technology and Innovation ecosystem in Thailand and position Bangkok as the global FoodTech hub.” Ludovic Garnier, Group CFO at Thai Union, mentioned, “Thai Union is committed to facilitating investment for startups participating in the SPACE-F Program, and this batch is no different.” Dr. Panwajee Payongsri, a lecturer at Mahidol University's Department of Biotechnology, stated, “Mahidol University will provide not just technical and scientific support to the startups, but also tailor solutions to meet each startup's unique needs, with the goal of developing and patenting prototypes.” The accelerator program proudly announces its participants for this year: - WeavAir from Canada - Nabsolute from Thailand - EniferBio from Finland - Potent Fungi from Thailand - Mi Terro from the USA - EnerGaia from Thailand - More Meat from Thailand - Jamulogy from Thailand - Kinnva from Singapore The incubator cohort includes: - Phagos from France - Balance Corp from Thailand - Kokoonic from Thailand - MakeGrowLab from Poland - MUU from Thailand - POWCO from Thailand - Tasted Better from Thailand - Pet Dynamic from Hong Kong - Mercy Foie Gras from Thailand Thai Beverage Public Company Limited (ThaiBev) is a corporate partner of the program, with Ms. Tongjai Thanachanan, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainable Business Development at ThaiBev, stating, “SPACE-F creates a nurturing ecosystem for entrepreneurship by combining efforts from large corporations, academia, startups, and consulting firms, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.” About NIA: The National Innovation Agency (NIA) is dedicated to enhancing and developing Thailand's innovation system to promote economic restructuring and competitive enhancement. NIA plays a crucial role in driving national innovation through co-creation, networking, and partnerships across various sectors, focusing on knowledge management for innovation, especially on cluster platform innovations to improve quality of life and economic competitiveness. About Thai Union Group: Thai Union Group PCL is a global leader in seafood, known for delivering high-quality, healthy, tasty, and innovative seafood products worldwide for over 45 years. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Thai Union's global and local brand portfolio includes well-known brands, and the company has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, including its SeaChange® sustainability strategy. About Mahidol University: Originating from Siriraj Hospital founded in 1888 by King Chulalongkorn, Mahidol University is Thailand's oldest higher education institution, now offering a wide range of programs. It became an autonomous institution in 2007, enhancing its efficiency and innovation capabilities. About Thai Beverage Public Company Limited: Established in 2003, ThaiBev consolidated leading spirits and beer businesses in Thailand and expanded into non-alcoholic beverages and food sectors. Listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) in 2006, ThaiBev is Thailand's leading beverage producer and one of Asia's largest, with a diverse product portfolio across spirits, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and food segments.