Bridge the Gap: SPACE-F to Host Global Webinar for USA and Europe Ahead of Batch 7

Thailand-based FoodTech incubator and accelerator SPACE-F will host a global webinar on 28 January 2026 aimed at FoodTech startups from the United States and Europe, as part of its outreach for Batch 7 of the programme.

Titled “Bridge the Gap: From Local Innovation to Global Dominance”, the session is designed to introduce Western founders to Thailand’s FoodTech ecosystem and explain how SPACE-F can support global expansion through its incubator and accelerator tracks. The webinar will be held online and is scheduled to run from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (ICT).

Introducing Thailand as a gateway for FoodTech startups

SPACE-F is a public–private initiative supported by Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA), Thai Union Group, and academic partners. The programme operates on a zero-equity model, offering support without taking ownership in participating startups.

The upcoming webinar will focus on how Thailand can serve as a pilot market and regional base for FoodTech companies looking to scale into Asia and other global markets.

According to SPACE-F, the session is intended to help international founders better understand the local ecosystem, policy support, and collaboration opportunities available in Thailand.

Understanding the incubator and accelerator tracks

A central focus of the upcoming webinar will be a detailed explanation of SPACE-F’s two programme pathways and how founders can determine which track best suits their stage of development.

The Incubator programme is designed for early-stage FoodTech startups that are still refining their technology, product concept, or business model. This track focuses on product development, validation, and early market fit, with support in areas such as research collaboration, technical mentoring, and pilot testing.

The Accelerator programme, meanwhile, is aimed at startups that already have a working product, pilot customers, or early commercial traction. Participants in this track receive support focused on scaling operations, forming corporate partnerships, and preparing for market expansion across Thailand and the wider region.

During the webinar, SPACE-F representatives will explain the structure, expectations, and outcomes of each track, helping founders assess where they fit within the programme. The session will also include practical guidance on how startups can strengthen their applications for Batch 7, including what the selection committee looks for at different stages of growth.

Insights from ecosystem leaders and investors

The webinar will include several speakers from different areas of the innovation ecosystem, each bringing insight into Thailand’s FoodTech landscape and global opportunities.

• Sònia Hurtado, CEO and co-founder of Poseidona, joins the webinar to share her experience as a food scientist and entrepreneur in sustainable food innovation. Hurtado has more than 15–20 years of experience in the food industry, including co-founding plant-based startup Current Foods (formerly Kuleana) and now leading Poseidona, a Barcelona-based company developing proteins from invasive seaweed and algal side streams.
  
• Montha Kaihirun, Director of Startup Promotion at the National Innovation Agency (NIA), leads efforts to support startups and innovation in Thailand. In her role, she works on ecosystem development, policy support, and connecting startups with resources that can help them grow domestically and internationally.
  
• Dr. Chris Aurand, Open Innovation Leader at Thai Union Group, represents one of Thailand’s largest food companies. Thai Union has partnered with SPACE-F and other organisations to help bring corporate expertise and industry connections into the programme, offering participating startups opportunities to engage with real market needs.
  
• Bosco Emparanza García, CEO and founder of MOA Foodtech, leads a Spanish food technology startup that uses biotechnology and artificial intelligence to transform agri-food byproducts into sustainable ingredients. MOA combines fermentation and AI to develop high-value proteins and other food ingredients, aiming to reduce waste and create scalable solutions for the food industry.
  
• Joel Kam, Investment Manager at Pine Capital Management, works on investment sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio support for a Singapore-based investment firm. Pine Capital Management focuses on venture capital and fund management across technology and growth sectors, with a focus on sustainable and scalable companies. Kam’s participation brings an investor perspective on what founders should consider when approaching new markets and funding opportunities.
  

During the session, these speakers are expected to share views on topics such as market entry considerations in Thailand, building partnerships with local and regional players, and how investors see Thailand’s position within the broader Asia FoodTech ecosystem.

What participants can expect

The webinar is structured to give FoodTech founders a clear and practical understanding of how Thailand’s ecosystem can support international expansion. Key areas to be covered include:

• FoodTech opportunities in Thailand from a global investment perspective
  Speakers will discuss how investors assess FoodTech innovation in Thailand, including areas attracting capital, collaboration trends with corporates, and what makes startups market-ready from an investor’s point of view.
  
• Thailand’s strengths as a pilot market and regional hub
  The session will explore why Thailand is increasingly used as a testbed for new food technologies, from access to manufacturing and supply chains to its position as a gateway to Southeast Asia and broader global markets.
  
• Policy and ecosystem support for international startups
  Participants will gain insight into government-backed programmes, regulatory support, and ecosystem initiatives that help foreign startups enter and operate in Thailand, including partnerships with corporates, universities, and research institutions.
  
• Founder experiences within the Thai FoodTech ecosystem
  Startup leaders who have worked in Thailand are expected to share practical lessons on building local partnerships, adapting products for regional markets, and navigating operational and cultural considerations.
  
• SPACE-F Batch 7 application walkthrough
  The webinar will conclude with a step-by-step overview of the Batch 7 application process, outlining evaluation criteria and explaining what the programme looks for in international applicants across both the incubator and accelerator tracks.

Expanding global participation in Batch 7

By launching a dedicated webinar for founders in the United States and Europe, SPACE-F is signalling a more outward-facing approach as it prepares for Batch 7. Rather than positioning itself solely as a local programme, the initiative is increasingly framing Thailand as a practical base where global FoodTech startups can test ideas, build partnerships, and plan regional expansion.

For international founders, the webinar offers more than an introduction to a single programme. It provides insight into how Thailand’s FoodTech ecosystem is evolving, how public and private stakeholders are working together, and what considerations startups should weigh when entering Asian markets.

As FoodTech companies face rising costs, regulatory complexity, and pressure to scale efficiently, platforms like SPACE-F highlight alternative pathways for growth that focus on collaboration, market access, and ecosystem support rather than ownership or equity.

Founders interested in learning more about these opportunities can register for the Global Webinar: USA & Europe Edition, scheduled for 28 January 2026, and use the session to assess whether SPACE-F Batch 7 aligns with their next phase of growth.

Quick takeaways

• SPACE-F is expanding its global outreach by hosting a dedicated webinar for FoodTech founders in the United States and Europe ahead of Batch 7.
• The programme positions Thailand as a pilot market and regional base, offering access to manufacturing, supply chains, and partnerships across Asia.
• Batch 7 will continue SPACE-F’s zero-equity model, supporting startups without taking ownership.
• Founders can choose between incubator and accelerator tracks based on their stage of development, from early validation to scale-up.
• The webinar brings together government, corporate, startup, and investor perspectives, offering a rounded view of Thailand’s FoodTech ecosystem.
• Participants will receive practical guidance on the Batch 7 application process, including what evaluators look for in international startups.
• The session serves as an entry point for founders assessing whether Thailand and SPACE-F align with their global expansion strategy.