ac-webcam-c

Top Stories

Grid List

The company is pushing its innovative platform out of the lab and into real-world agricultural systems.

Agriculture

In the heart of Singapore’s biotech scene, Terra Oleo is quietly leading a revolution that could transform two of agriculture’s most complex and carbon-heavy supply chains-palm oil and cocoa

With a fresh US$3.1mn in funding and support from Breakthrough Energy’s prestigious Fellows Program, the company is pushing its innovative platform out of the lab and into real-world agricultural systems.

This isn't just a tech breakthrough-it’s a response to a mounting crisis. The global palm oil and cocoa industries are feeling the squeeze of climate disruption, shrinking arable land, and tighter environmental regulation. In 2024, cocoa stockpiles fell by 26%, sending prices soaring, while palm oil exports dropped by nearly 6% as producers struggled with rising costs and inconsistent yields. For agri-businesses, food producers, and cosmetics manufacturers alike, volatility is becoming the norm and sustainable alternatives are no longer a niche pursuit but an industry necessity.

Terra Oleo’s answer is a tunable fermentation platform that uses microbes to convert agro-industrial waste into high-value lipid ingredients. These aren't just stand-ins for palm oil or cocoa butter; they’re engineered replacements designed to match or outperform conventional fats in terms of performance, stability, and application. From food and pharmaceuticals to personal care and cosmetics, the potential uses are wide-ranging.

The real genius lies in the platform’s customisation. Unlike natural microbial processes that are often limited in scale and flexibility, Terra Oleo’s system allows for precise control over the lipid profile of its outputs. That means the company can tailor its ingredients to suit specific industry needs, whether that’s for baking chocolate or industrial emulsifiers. And because the process bypasses land-intensive crops, toxic refining steps, and heavy energy use, it drastically reduces both the carbon footprint and chemical waste involved.

Backed by deep scientific expertise in synthetic biology and microbial engineering, the company is poised to move quickly from pilot phase to commercial scale. It has already signed product testing agreements with several major players in the food, oleochemical, and personal care sectors. More than a proof of concept, this funding round marks a shift towards real, scalable change.

With its roots partly in the palm oil industry, Terra Oleo has a unique advantage it knows the traditional system inside out and is building a better one alongside it. At scale, its platform could prevent up to 900 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, signalling a major leap towards decarbonising agriculture’s supply chains without compromising quality or performance.

As the pressure mounts to future-proof ingredient sourcing and reduce environmental impact, Terra Oleo’s approach offers more than just an alternative—it offers a reset. For agriculture, that reset can’t come soon enough.

The event brought together over 300 industry experts. (Image credit: Sigenergy)

Aquaculture

Sigenergy, a key player in renewable energy innovation, recently showcased its modular commercial and industrial (C&I) solar-storage system at Sigenergy Day APAC in Hainan

The event brought together over 300 industry experts, partners, clients, and media professionals to explore the evolving landscape of solar-storage technology. A particular highlight of the event was a tour of a new aquaculture project powered entirely by solar and storage technology—demonstrating a bold step forward in sustainable energy applications beyond traditional sectors.

The seawater fish farming project, located in Hainan, uses Sigenergy’s advanced C&I inverters and the SigenStack energy storage system to power its operations. With a setup integrating 6 MW of solar power and 5 MWh of storage capacity, the project shows how clean energy can be effectively used in the demanding environment of aquaculture. It is a significant case study for how renewable energy can reduce operational costs and support environmental goals in industries that depend on consistent and intensive energy use.

This fish farm, focused on cultivating the high-value Leopard Coral Grouper, requires stringent control over its operating environment. Maintaining stable water temperature, constant oxygen supply, and controlled lighting is essential to the survival of the fish. These needs drive high energy consumption, with the farm using around 43,200 kWh daily and more than 15 million kWh annually. Sigenergy’s system drastically cuts the farm’s reliance on the grid and offers a cost-effective, environmentally conscious energy solution.

The site posed several logistical and environmental challenges that traditional energy systems could not solve. However, Sigenergy’s modular design provided key advantages. Space was a major limitation, with narrow corridors between ponds making bulky container systems impractical. The compact, plug-and-play nature of Sigenergy’s solution allowed it to be easily installed without wasting valuable space.

Transport and installation were also simplified. As the site is located near water networks, heavy machinery access was impossible. Sigenergy’s lightweight units, which don’t require cranes, enabled the system to be fully set up in just four days. The sandy soil also posed structural concerns, but the modular design allowed even weight distribution, reducing foundation stress and ensuring safety.

Being just 300 metres from the sea, the site is exposed to salt-heavy air and humidity. Sigenergy’s equipment is built to last under such harsh conditions, with IP66 and C5-M protection ratings that provide high-level resistance to corrosion and ensure long-term performance.

This deployment not only delivers reliable and clean energy for the aquaculture industry but also stands as a scalable model for energy transformation in other complex, high-demand environments.

Sabanto launches tractor tech revolution in Australia.(Image credit: Sabanto)

Equipment

In a bold move set to reshape the future of farming, US-based agricultural technology company Sabanto has officially expanded its autonomous tractor technology to Australia

The company’s innovative retrofit systems, which transform standard tractors into fully autonomous workhorses, are now available to Australian farmers through strategic partnerships with OneAg and Vantage NSW.

This marks Sabanto’s first major international expansion and a significant milestone for agri-tech in Australia. Instead of requiring costly investment in new machinery, Sabanto’s technology offers a smarter, cost-effective solution by upgrading the equipment farmers already trust and use.

“Australia’s agricultural sector is highly innovative, and we’re eager to partner with local experts to deliver affordable autonomy to farmers,” said Craig Rupp, CEO and Founder of Sabanto. “Together with OneAg and Vantage NSW, we’re helping farmers adopt this technology with the local expertise and service they already trust.”

Sabanto’s retrofit autonomy kits integrate seamlessly with a wide range of existing tractors, enabling 24/7 operation without the need for constant human supervision. This leap forward not only improves labour efficiency but also allows producers to tackle time-sensitive tasks such as seeding and spraying with greater precision and reliability.

The partnership with OneAg, a leader in precision agriculture, reflects a shared vision for the future of farm operations. “Autonomy represents one of the biggest shifts in how we’ll approach farming over the next decade,” said Michael Munro, Head of Autonomy at OneAg. “Sabanto’s technology allows us to expand what’s possible for productivity. I’m excited to lead this next chapter and work closely with our partners and customers to make autonomous farming a reality.”

Vantage NSW, another key collaborator, brings in-depth knowledge of precision ag systems across the full farming lifecycle. Founder and Director Michael Casey shared, “Our customers want smarter ways to do more with the equipment they already own. Partnering with Sabanto allows us to deliver advanced autonomy solutions, helping farmers improve efficiency while addressing labour and cost challenges.”

The introduction of autonomous retrofits into the Australian market is especially timely, with producers across the country facing increasing pressure from rising input costs, unpredictable labour availability, and extreme weather patterns. Sabanto’s systems help mitigate these challenges while positioning farms for long-term digital transformation.

As Sabanto builds its international dealer network, this expansion underscores a global shift in agriculturewhere smarter, smaller, and more adaptable technologies are paving the way for scalable, sustainable farming solutions.

Technologies can improve farming efficiency and strengthen the supply chain.

Infrastructure

Nezar Patria, Deputy Minister of communication and digital affairs, has stressed the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in transforming Indonesia’s agricultural sector.

He highlighted that strong digital infrastructure is the foundation for achieving sustainable agriculture across the country.

“To really take advantage of AI power and data, a strong digital infrastructure is very important. This includes evenly distributed broadband access and an inclusive digital platform for farmers and agri-food business actors,” Nezar said during an official broadcast.

He emphasised that digital transformation in agriculture is not about following global trends, but a strategic move to address national food security challenges. Technologies such as smart sensors, drones, automation, and predictive analytics can significantly improve farming efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen the supply chain from production to distribution.

“AI and data can revolutionize our entire agri-food ecosystem,” he added.

To support this transformation, the ministry of communication and digital affairs (Komdigi) is speeding up the expansion of digital infrastructure in rural areas. The ministry is also promoting digital literacy and working closely with universities like Gadjah Mada University (UGM) to advance research, training, and the development of technology-based solutions for agriculture.

Nezar called on academics, farmers, and all stakeholders to join forces in strengthening national food sovereignty. “AI and data are bridges to Indonesia’s more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural future,” he concluded.