Thailand public organization National Innovation Agency (NIA) and Maejo University have showcased ten AgBioTech-powered startups that are poised to revolutionize agriculture at AgBioTech Incubation 2023 Demo Day.
The duo said in a statement that the ten startup teams participating in the AgBioTech Incubation 2023 program constitute a diverse and dynamic cohort that are poised to catalyze innovation within the agricultural sector.
They said their endeavors hold the promise of propelling Thailand to new heights in the realm of agricultural biotechnology, underpinning the nation’s strategic vision for a future of cutting- edge agricultural innovation and economic growth.
The ten startups participating in the project are:
1. SoMush: A cutting-edge solution to produce pure mushroom culture in liquid form for PureMycelium.
2. MYCO GARDEN HOME: An innovative growth enhancer designed for high-value economic crops and ornamental plants, leveraging the power of arbuscular mycorrhizae.
3. MaxBoost: A specialized substance hailing from the stable antisense group, engineered to proactively prevent Vibrio and yellowhead virus, safeguarding the health of aquatic organisms.
4. PurePlus: A highly effective microbial inoculum, bolstered by low-energy ion beam technology, adept at thwarting wilt and rot pathogens in economic crops.
5. Sentech Plus: A sophisticated biological substance harnessing the potency of Bacteriophages for holistic infection prevention in the realm of aquaculture.
6. Bio Solution: A natural and sustainable pest control system utilizing beneficial natural enemies to safeguard crops.
7. Gen-A-Tech: An advanced system for plant gender and agricultural characteristic determination, underpinned by cutting-edge DNA marker technology.
8. PLANTBIO: Pioneering the production of functional substances for cosmetic applications through the innovative use of plant cell culture technology.
9. EverFresh: A biomolecular peptide product engineered to extend the shelf life of agricultural products, ensuring freshness and quality.
10. Happy Plant: Offering highly purified mycorrhiza obtained through tissue culture systems, enhancing survival rates when transplanted into the soil and bolstering plant health.
The AgBioTech Incubation 2023 was convened by NIA in collaboration with a network of partner organizations, which included Maejo Agriculture and Food Innovation District, Institute of Agricultural Innovation for Industry, Federation of Thai Industries, and SynBio Consortium.
The project has been inaugurated with a dedicated emphasis on the incubation and cultivation of novel AgTech startups.
These startups are strategically oriented towards harnessing the transformative potential of deep technology and biotechnology within the ecosystem.
The project seeks to leverage these advanced technologies to pioneer innovative solutions for the myriad challenges prevailing in the agricultural sector.
It is noted that this comprehensive project encompasses three core activities:
1. Capacity building:
The first facet of the initiative focuses on the development of AgBioTech startup advisors.
It seeks to equip lecturers, researchers, and agricultural biotechnology experts with the requisite knowledge, acumen, and entrepreneurial skills to foster the inception and incubation of agricultural biotechnology enterprises.
This endeavor has engaged 42 distinguished professors hailing from 15 universities nationwide.
2. Startup Incubation:
The second facet of AgBioTech Incubation is dedicated to the incubation of AgTech startups applying biotechnology.
This multifaceted program includes a blend of theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training, augmented by personalized mentorship and guidance.
To extend the support to students, government researchers, and alumni representing diverse universities across the country, the program culminates with the selection of ten startup teams, poised to present their pioneering business models for innovative products and services.
3. Ecosystem Building:
The third dimension of the project centers around fostering a collaborative network for agricultural biotechnology, serving as an “Ecosystem Builder”.
It aspires to harmonize and interconnect all stakeholders, encompassing government entities, private sector enterprises, educational institutions, and investors, in a concerted effort to engage and collaborate with startups.
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, the Executive Director of the NIA, said that these startups hold the potential to become instrumental drivers of technological innovation and efficiency enhancement for farmers.
According to her, AgBioTech Incubation 2023 represents a concerted effort towards the nurturing and cultivation of novel AgTech startups.
She said that this initiative is characterized by an immersive incubation process that seamlessly melds theoretical and practical learning activities.
She noted that each of the ten participating teams has exhibited exemplary technological acumen, innovative prowess, and a remarkable capacity to proffer solutions that meaningfully address the challenges plaguing
the agricultural sector.
According to her, these startups hold the promise of not only uplifting the Thai agricultural landscape but also serving as a catalyst for the relentless growth of cutting- edge technology and the perpetuation of agricultural innovation within the nation.
Associate Professor Dr. Weerapon Thongma, President of Maejo University, said that the institution, bolstered by support from NIA and a dynamic network of collaborators from public sector, private sector, and local municipalities, has taken monumental strides in advancing the “Maejo Agricultural and Food Innovation District”.
He said that this visionary initiative has rapidly transformed into a veritable epicenter for agricultural innovation, earning the distinction of being acclaimed as “Thailand’s Silicon Valley for agricultural innovation.”
Thanarak Phongphatar, Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries and President of the Institute of Agricultural Industry, said that startups leveraging deep technology to address intricate challenges within the agricultural domain, both domestically and abroad, are of paramount importance.
He opined that their role is pivotal in bolstering food security and elevating the nation’s agricultural landscape.
In furtherance of this vision, he said the project facilitates critical linkages with organizations boasting expansive networks across the Thai agricultural industry, encompassing key sectors such as sugarcane, mango, and shrimp farming.
He said these affiliations provide startups with invaluable insights into the strategic application of technology and innovation to resolve agricultural challenges and drive effective, industry-tailored development.
He said such support ultimately empowers startups to expand their market presence and achieve accelerated growth.