TECH NEEDS

With the focus on food security and sustainability, urban farming is gaining traction in Singapore. Most farmers who are new to the industry still rely heavily on pesticides for pest control and crop protection. Although effective, the use of pesticides pose several concerns such as: Health and Environmental Risks: Pesticide residues in food pose potential health hazards, while excessive use can lead to soil degradation, water contamination, and harm to beneficial insects and biodiversity. Regulatory and Market Pressure: Stricter regulations on pesticide use and growing demand for organic and naturally grown produce create the need for sustainable solutions. In addition, the educated consumers increasingly prefer pesticide-free vegetables, thereby driving the need for natural alternatives. Biological solutions such as biofertilizers, bionutrients, and biostimulants offer a promising alternative to agriculture. These solutions can: Enhance Plant Growth: Improve nutrient uptake and plant resilience through naturally derived growth stimulants. Improve Soil Health: Support microbial activity and enhance soil fertility without chemical degradation. Reduce Dependence on Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: Provide natural pest resistance and nutrient supply. Promote Sustainable Production of Asian Leafy Greens: Crops such as bak choy, butterhead lettuce, and spinach Farmers are seeking to collaborate with companies with biological solutions to run validation trials in their farms. Farmers are looking for innovative biological solutions with the following characteristics: Naturally derived biopesticides, microbial solutions, or plant-based compounds that minimize pest pressure. Nutrient-Rich Biofertilizers that enhance soil and plant health. Suitable for urban farming environments, including hydroponic, vertical, and soil-based systems. Low-cost, efficient alternatives to synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that ensure long-term affordability. Sustainable, biodegradable, and non-toxic solutions that support eco-friendly farming practices. Solutions with demonstrated efficacy in enhancing the growth, yield, and quality of Asian leafy greens in tropical urban farming conditions. Urban farming, agriculture, indoor farming, sustainability, greenhouse, biologicals, bionutrients, biofertilisers, biostimulants, fertilisers, pesticides, anti-pesticides, food security Licensing, R&D Collaboration Life Sciences, Agriculture & Aquaculture, Sustainability, Food Security

Agricultural activities in Asia Pacific region generate significant amounts of manure from various farming operations, including: Layer Hens: A layer hen produces approximately 0.08–0.12 kg of manure per day. Cattle Farming: Dairy and beef cattle generate an average of 30 kg of manure per day per animal. Pig Farms: Pigs produce about 2–4 kg of manure per day. Manure accumulation presents several environmental and operational challenges such as odour pollution, water contamination, greenhouse gas emissions and pathogen proliferation. Despite these challenges, manure has significant potential when processed effectively. It can be converted into valuable resources such as: Biogas & Bioenergy Biochar & Carbon Sequestration Organic Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners Farms have found solutions that produce good quality fertilisers and soil conditioners with their manure. However the amount of manure generated is more than what they can use and would like to work with innovation technologies to manage and convert their farm's manure efficiently.  Famers are looking for innovative solutions that address the following requirements: Innovative technologies capable of converting large volumes of manure into usable byproducts effectively. Scalability: Solutions that can be applied to small, medium, and large-scale farms. Technology can also be for specific livestock sectors. Cost-Effective Operations: Low operational costs (OPEX) and moderate capital investment (CAPEX) to ensure economic viability. Minimal Environmental Impact: Solutions that reduce odour, emissions, and contamination risks while improving waste management practices. Energy Recovery Capabilities: Technologies that enable manure-to-energy conversion, such as anaerobic digestion or thermal processing. Regulatory Compliance: Solutions that adhere to environmental and agricultural waste regulations in Asia Pacific. Licensing, Others, R&D Collaboration Energy, Waste-to-Energy, Waste Management & Recycling, Food & Agriculture Waste Management

According to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) in Singapore, 90% of Singapore residents' consumption of sodium exceeds the daily recommended intake, with the average consumption at 3620 mg, nearly double of the recommended 2000 mg per day. As a result, one in six Singapore residents report health problems like hypertension and hypolipidaemia. In an effort to curb this, HPB launched the "Less Salt, More Taste" campaign in 2024 to encourage the food manufacturing and food service industry to change their recipes and add less salt and sauces, or switch to use lower-sodium alternatives for salt, sauces and seasonings. Manufacturers are also encouraged to increase the supply of lower-sodium ingredients for the food service sector. Consumers are also encouraged to choose low sodium options, or use less salt in their home cooking. This sodium reduction strategy aims to reduce Singaporeans’ sodium intake by 15% by 2026.    In light of these, there is interest in seeking out technologies that can enable the food manufacturing and food service industry to reduce the sodium content of their products without compromising on quality. Non-exhaustively, the technology can come in the form of: Novel alternative salty or umami compounds that are low in sodium and affordable Salt processing methods that can increase the perception of saltiness to allow for less use of salt Food processing methods that can allow for reduced sodium content but enhance flavours These technologies should be available for technology collaborations. The modes of technology collaborations are: R&D collaboration, IP licensing and acquisition. Suitable technologies can be placed as Technology Offers on the IPI portal, subject to internal curation and review.  Sodium Reduction, Saltiness, Umami, Food Processing, Microspheres, Sodium Alternatives, Salt Alternatives, Controlled Release, Natural Business Collaboration (Joint Venture), IP Acquisition, Licensing, R&D Collaboration Foods, Ingredients, Processes