T-FOODS Prelude

Who should join the TFoodS Otter Tank? 

This call for applications is open to early-stage companies developing AI-driven solutions that enhance the supply and production of alternative protein foods in urban environments. We seek innovations that enable the food industry to create sustainable, nutritious, and affordable products tailored to the demands of megacities with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. 

Key areas of interest include AI-powered advancements in plant-based materials, protein design and discovery, optimization of taste and texture, efficient resource management through vertical farming, precision fermentation, bioreactor optimisation, precision nutrition, supply chain optimization, and smart distribution networks. The focus is on harnessing artificial intelligence to address the unique challenges of food production and distribution to provide solutions for dense urban areas. 

We are specifically looking for forward-thinking early-stage startups and scaleups that meet the following criteria: 

• You received only up to series A funding.  

• If you are already incorporated, your company is registered in the EU member states, associated countries, or Singapore. 

• Your company is looking to expand into the Singapore market as a hub to SEA. 

• You are working on a solution in the challenge domain detailed above. 

• You have successfully completed a proof of concept backed by data. 

• You have less than 49 employees (excluding interns or contractors). 

• You are open to collaborate with industry or academic partners and looking to scale your technology. 

What’s in it for the startups selected? 

• 1 week to visit the TFoodS Conference 2024 organized by TUMCREATE and the Proteins4Singapore consortium. The conference will host fascinating scientific presentations, foster intriguing discussions with renowned panellists, and showcase alternative protein products and technologies. 

• Pitch your idea at the TFoodS Otter Tank in front of international food innovation experts. 

• Local and international research community at the Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) and food tech research institutes like A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation (SIFBI) 

• Contact with international food scientists and technologists 

• Potential meetings with the ecosystem in Singapore and surrounding SEA markets (depending on the company’s interest) 

• Win SGD 4,000 for the top pitch at the TFoodS conference, with SGD 1,000 for second place! 

About Proteins4Singapore 

The flagship research programme ‘Proteins4Singapore’ is combining functionality-driven cultivation of alternative non-animal protein sources with innovative processing and extraction methods and novel reverse food engineering approaches. To achieve our ambitious goals, our renowned scientists assemble a large diversity of scientific backgrounds: Plant and algae experts optimise controlled-environment agriculture to produce soybeans and micro-algae indoors. Protein isolates, extracts, and ferments will be processed to create plant-based products with improved texture, flavour and an outstanding nutritional profile designed. We include the proficiency of microbiologists to evaluate the gut microbiome interaction with our products and sensory experts to ensure the best flavour profiles. An integrated LCA will evaluate the validity and opportunities to scale-up and commercialise our model, benchmarking each technological process and the whole production chain against established methods. 

Organising Partners 

Google has always been at the forefront of advancements in research and science, pioneering many of the breakthroughs behind new technology. Over the past five years, Google has provided more than $200 million through Google.org to assist organizations using advanced applications of AI to support the Sustainable Development Goals and other pressing social challenges.  

SGInnovate is a Singapore Government-backed Deep Tech ecosystem builder and investor. The organisation's expertise and approach combine investments, talent development and community-building to catalyse the translation of emerging technologies into tomorrow’s opportunities.