Global Incubator Programme, a gateway for UK agrifood innovators to scale into Asia

In summary:

• Global Incubator Programme – Gateway to Asia is a virtually-delivered program that supports UK ag, food & beverage innovators in expanding to Asia, with an initial focus on ASEAN markets, at a time when Covid-19 continues to restrict business travel
• Developed by Innovate UK and GROW, the Singapore-based agrifoodtech ecosystem catalyst 
• Open to UK companies working in controlled environment agriculture, sustainable food production, alt-protein, functional ingredients, food traceability, and food waste reduction, among others

In a commitment to help UK ag, food, and beverage innovators expand into Asia, Innovate UK and GROW have partnered to launch the Global Incubator Programme – Gateway to Asia with the support of Innovate UK EDGE.

This collaboration forms a direct link between the UK and Singapore, providing market-specific internationalization assistance to raise the profile of UK food and agriculture innovation among food manufacturers, agribusinesses, and investors in Southeast Asia.

The 20-week program is integrated with GROW’s Land x Launch™ platform, which plugs companies into the local agrifoodtech ecosystem in Asia and connects founders from around the world. Through the program, UK entrepreneurs will be able to capitalize on GROW’s extensive partner network throughout the region.

Asia is expected to be home to 5 billion people by 2050, accounting for 60% of global food consumption. To meet this demand, governments across Southeast Asia are aggressively pursuing strategies to ensure greater food security. This includes active support for agrifood entrepreneurs who can help grow the local ecosystem by establishing themselves in the region. 

This programme is designed for the ‘next normal’ of Covid-19. Delivered virtually, it will start in the UK to help selected companies validate their market fit and co-develop a roadmap to establish their in-market presence. Recognizing the uncertainties of travel, the program offers a variety of options to allow companies to grow their team and presence in Asia – physically or remotely. It will include access to GROW’s extensive regional and international networks of mentors and experts, research partners, and corporate customers.