The third edition of the Agri-Food Tech Axpo Asia (AFTEA) was held from 19-21 November at Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore
As a focused exhibition platform, AFTEA offered a premier launchpad for agri-food tech companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies, products and solutions that future-proof the region's agri-food industries. With a living lab demo zone, knowledge sharing at content stages, and pitching competitions, AFTEA highlighted the latest advancements driving the agri-food sector forward.
This year the event showed a 40% exhibitor increase compared to last year by providing an expected 10,000 attendees direct access to 300 exhibitors, including over 100 start-ups and 17 international and industry groups, while also showcasing the latest innovations, practices, and strategies.
AFTEA played a critical role in catalysing this transition by convening the industry's bellwethers, innovators, start-ups, investors, and key decision makers - including food manufacturers, processors, policymakers, farmers and growers – to discover the latest technologies and food solutions, and enable their applications towards driving sustainable food systems.
"AFTEA is an essential and valuable platform that brings together global leaders, experts, and innovators to promote sustainable food systems. Showcasing advanced agri-tech solutions, novel foods, alternative proteins, and smart farming applications, AFTEA spotlights cutting-edge trends and technologies," said professor Matthew Tan, chair for Sustainable in Agriculture & Fishery Sectors, APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security. "The event emphasises the importance of Public-Private Partnerships which is very much aligned with the priorities of APEC Policy Partnership on Food Security, and the critical role of the Agri-Food Tech World Championship in addressing food security challenges. Amid rising food prices and supply-demand issues, AFTEA is pivotal in promoting public-private cooperation for food security in APEC economies."
The event comprised multiple startup pavilions offering attendees the chance to explore groundbreaking, diverse solutions that are shaping the future of the agri-food sector. Two Sandbox stages offered a combined 30 hours of content across 100 sessions on Innovation, Sustainability and Food Safety. At one of these stages, the Climate-Smart Practices Forum featured senior executives of World Bank, Mars, RIZE, Mae Fah Luang Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Hosted by Sandbox was the Agri-Food Tech Demo Day which offered a stage for finalist teams pitching their innovative ideas to a judging panel, competing for cash and in-kind prizes worth over US$150,000.
In a rapidly evolving landscape where concerns with sustainability and food security, powered by technological advancements are transforming the agri-food sector in Asia, AFTEA continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation to shape the future of the agri-food industry.
AFTEA 2024: accelerating innovation and sustainability in Asia
AFTEA continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and innovation to shape the future of the agri-food industry. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
