MHESI Launches SPACE-F Year 7, Strengthening Thailand’s FoodTech Ecosystem and Wellness Economy

BANGKOK, THAILAND – On May 1, 2026, Prof. Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), announced the launch of “SPACE-F Year 7.” This initiative, led by the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) or NIA, in partnership with Thai Union Group PCL, Mahidol University, and corporate collaborators including Thai Beverage PLC, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., and Foodland Ventures from Taiwan, represents a pivotal advancement in Thailand’s goal to become a global leader in food technology.

The Significance of SPACE-F Year 7

SPACE-F Year 7 is Thailand’s first global foodtech startup incubator and accelerator program. It aims to tackle challenges within the food industry through sustainable innovation. Prof. Dr. Wongsawat highlighted the importance of merging technology with traditional Thai flavors, asserting that advancements should not dilute the essence of Thai cuisine. He intends to showcase innovative food products developed by participating startups at an upcoming Cabinet meeting, providing the Prime Minister with a firsthand experience of FoodTech’s potential as a cornerstone for the nation’s future.

Focus on Wellness Economy and Biodiversity

The Minister underscored the role of the Wellness Economy as a new growth engine, extending beyond food to encompass AI, ICT, and software. This initiative seeks to position Thailand as a global hub for wellness tourism, with support from the Board of Investment (BOI) to cultivate investment opportunities. Startups are encouraged to utilize Thailand’s rich biodiversity and geographical indications (GI) to substitute imported raw materials, thereby reducing costs and enhancing the country’s unique identity in the food sector.

Connecting Startups with Industry Leaders

The SPACE-F program emphasizes collaboration between startups and established corporations, facilitating connections that can lead to Series A or B funding. This strategy is particularly vital in the current global context, where food and nutrition security are critical. Prof. Dr. Wongsawat noted that the program provides a platform for startups to develop solutions addressing global challenges, with government backing to nurture innovation.

SPACE-F Year 7 features 20 startups from 10 countries, focusing on the Proof of Concept (POC) strategy to ensure these ventures can transition to commercialization on an international scale. Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, reported that the program has successfully incubated and accelerated over 100 startups from 18 countries in the past six years, generating funding exceeding 5.1 billion THB. This year, the program received a record 204 applicants from 57 countries, reflecting growing confidence in SPACE-F as a global platform for food innovation.

Strategic Partnerships and Technological Advancements

The SPACE-F program serves as a crucial mechanism for developing a robust foodtech startup ecosystem by linking knowledge, technology, and industry. Startups will have opportunities to co-develop and test real products with corporate partners, gaining access to expert networks and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Collaborations include partnerships with Thai Union for protein innovations, ThaiBev and Nestlé for health solutions, and Mahidol University’s advanced research facilities.

Thai Union Group PCL, as a co-founding partner, aims to enhance the standards of future protein products through industrial-level testing and innovation. The company adopts a “No Equity Taken” approach, allowing startups to retain ownership of their innovations while promoting long-term growth.

Mahidol University contributes its expertise in food science and biotechnology, providing startups access to advanced laboratories and research facilities. This collaboration is essential for transitioning research into market-ready products, bolstering Thailand’s competitiveness in the global foodtech landscape.

Thai Beverage Public Company Limited emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and development, assisting startups in identifying solutions that meet global market needs. Nestlé, as a strategic partner, focuses on empowering foodtech startups through the transfer of R&D knowledge and product development experience, aligning with sustainability objectives.

Foodland Ventures, a leading venture capital firm from Taiwan, aims to bridge innovations between Taiwan and Thailand, facilitating access to international markets for foodtech startups. This partnership is crucial in establishing a “FoodTech Corridor” that enhances startup potential and fosters sustainable growth in the food industry.

Diverse Startups in SPACE-F Year 7

The SPACE-F Year 7 program showcases a diverse array of startups, each concentrating on innovative solutions within the foodtech sector. Notable participants include:

Accelerator Program Startups

1. Terra Bioindustries Inc (Canada): Upcycles agricultural waste into high-value ingredients for various industries.
2. Nucaps (Spain): Develops functional protein ingredients using microencapsulation technology.
3. BeNatureBioLab (South Korea): Utilizes nano and microencapsulation technology for functional ingredients.
4. Kinava (South Korea): Converts food waste into biofertilizer and biogas using HydroThermal Carbonization technology.
5. ComexSoft (Spain): Offers a near real-time market intelligence platform for retail data.
6. PROTINOS (Thailand): Produces high-protein noodles from egg whites and soybeans.
7. SicPama (South Korea): A QR ordering and payment platform for restaurants.
8. Nourish Ingredients (Australia): Creates animal-free fats through precision fermentation.
9. Kresko RNAtech (USA/Argentina): Develops nutrients from biological RNA for dietary supplements.
10. Agrifreeze (Singapore): Innovates freezing technology to maintain food quality.

Incubator Program Startups

1. Eatwellconcept (Thailand): An AI-powered platform for personalized therapeutic diets.
2. AmaranthLab (UK): Produces protein ingredients from amaranth for blood sugar control.
3. Openfarming (Saudi Arabia): An AI system for food distributors to optimize inventory management.
4. Zuppar Reborn (Thailand): Biodegradable stickers made from pineapple waste.
5. VeriPura (Thailand/Singapore): An AI and Blockchain platform for product traceability.
6. YiXingYuan (Taiwan): A modular fruit processing factory utilizing High Voltage Electric Field technology.
7. JOLA (Thailand): Develops vitamin-infused jelly pet food.
8. UPLI (UK): A precision fermentation platform for functional proteins.
9. Emerald Plast (Thailand): Biodegradable food materials and packaging.
10. Squizify (Thailand): A digital food safety platform integrating IoT devices.

The SPACE-F Year 7 program exemplifies a collaborative effort to foster innovation within the foodtech sector, equipping startups with the resources and networks necessary to thrive in a competitive global market.

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Published on 2026-05-01 20:41:00 • By the Editorial Desk