Future Food Asia Award 2024 Winner | “Passion brought us here, and reason will guide us forward” could be the motto of FFA24. As the 8th edition draws to a close, instead of trying to cram all the rich insights and discussions into a nutshell, let's shine a spotlight on three standout points that truly capture the essence of this vintage. | | Chor Chee Hoe, co-founder and CEO of Qarbotech and Malynda Tan, Head of Legal, with the FFAA jury
Why Qarbotech is More Than Just the Winner 🏆 Undoubtedly, Qarbotech, the recipient of the USD 100,000 FFA Award, hit a home run. This Malaysian startup has pioneered a patented photosynthesis enhancement nanotechnology, transforming it into an on-plant or in-soil solution that significantly boosts agricultural productivity, increasing crop yields by up to 60 percent. Qarbotech's unique formulation, comprising organic carbon quantum dots sprayed onto plants, offers ease of use crucial for its large-scale implementation. These biocompatible organic compounds, akin to chlorophyll, enhance the photosynthesis rate of leafy plants, optimizing efficiency and shortening growth cycles. This innovation empowers farmers and growers of all scales to enhance their crop yields. The first FFAAA winner from Malaysia 🇲🇾Qarbotech isn't merely a remarkable startup; it's a testament to the potential of applying cutting-edge science—quantum biology—to agriculture, coupled with ingenuity, agility, and entrepreneurial grit. Onward and upward, Team Qarbotech! | | These Are the Best of Times Really 🤑? Yes. In an era where venture capital exhibits limitations and some investors are disengaging from the sector—either by choice or necessity—those with a long-term vision remain undeterred. Scarcity compels stakeholders to become more agile and risk-conscious, fostering positive outcomes. Owning a niche market as a starting point, achieving much with little are the new scorecards. While it's regrettable to see platform technology startups, particularly those in biomanufacturing, potentially pivot away from food and agriculture, we recognize it may occur. However, with nutrition as our guiding star, numerous solutions remain untapped. If the past decade of agrifoodtech investing concludes with a sense of modest achievement, let's view it as merely the beginning of our journey forward. | | There's Something Special at FFA 👀 An indefinable "je ne sais quoi," as elusive as a cat's affection, permeates every aspect of the FFA agenda, a sentiment noted by delegates from most diverse backgrounds. While many event organizers focus on optics—such as the number of delegates or square meters of exhibition space—we prioritize impact. From delving deep into the Chinese ecosystem to devising solutions for bridging the 'digital ag' funding gap, FFA united participants, roundtable contributors, and speakers all committed to walking the talk. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all who contributed to making it a reality. | |
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