Biotechnology Boosts Agrifoodtech Funding in East Asia
Tokyo, Friday, 11 April 2025.
East Asia’s agrifoodtech sector sees a funding uptick, driven by biotechnology investments in Japan, despite a global downturn. Notable is Japanese biomaterials securing significant funding.
Japan Leads East Asia’s Biotech Innovations
Japan has emerged as a leader in East Asia’s agrifoodtech landscape, particularly due to its advancements in biomaterials. Notably, Spiber, a Japanese startup, secured a significant $65 million in funding through a late-stage round in 2024. Spiber utilizes microbial fermentation to produce alternative materials that serve as substitutes for plastics and leathers, aiming to reduce environmental impact by minimizing reliance on traditional, pollutive materials [1]. This push towards sustainable materials aligns with broader efforts within the region to enhance food security and address environmental challenges [2].
Cultured Fat: A New Frontier for Meat Alternatives
The agrifoodtech sector’s ambitious projects are not confined to Japan; they extend across East Asia. In a groundbreaking move, UK-based Hoxton Farms has partnered with Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation to introduce cultured pork fat, ‘Hoxton Fat,’ into the Asian market. This collaboration aims to tap into the rising demand for meat in Asia, expected to increase by 78% by 2050 [3]. The innovative approach taken by Hoxton Farms helps address sustainability challenges by providing alternative meat products that require fewer resources and have a lower environmental footprint than conventional meat production [4].
Sustainable Agriculture: Bridging Technology and Ecology
In South Korea, efforts to enhance agricultural sustainability are underway through the integration of microbiome technology, which facilitates the development of eco-friendly fertilizers and pest control methods. This strategy is part of South Korea’s broader bioeconomy plan for 2030, aiming for a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem. These advancements highlight the synergy between startups and established companies in adopting new technologies to foster efficient farming practices and contribute to ecological conservation [5].
Nanotechnology’s Role in Crop Resilience
Enhancing crop resilience against climate change is also a priority in the region. Lilliput Technologies, founded in 2024, employs state-of-the-art nanotechnology to develop materials that protect crops from drought and climate threats. The company’s ‘Lillishield’ technology is designed to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, ensuring consistent food production levels despite challenging environmental conditions [6]. This innovation is part of a wider movement towards protecting agriculture from the increasing frequency of climate-related disruptions [7].