A Glimpse into the Future of Agri-Food Startups at 'AFRO 2024'

[Prime Economy] The '2nd Agri-Food Tech Startup Fair (AFRO 2024),' a gathering of advanced technologies and companies in the agri-food sector, was held on the 25th at COEX Hall B in Samseong-dong.

The fair was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and organized by COEX, the Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency (KOAT), and NH Nonghyup. A total of 268 promising venture and startup companies in the Green Bio and Ag/Food Tech fields participated.

To support the exhibition and growth of these companies, the event was structured with programs specialized for the startup ecosystem, including investment, market development, technology, overseas expansion, and networking. A networking venue was also set up to discuss collaborations with large corporations.

Kim Cheol-beom, CEO of Deep.Plant, explains meat products that have been treated with deep-aging technology. = Reporter Kim Woo-ram

Deep.Plant's deep-aging is a technology that uses a combination of ultrasound, water pressure, and water temperature to activate the meat's proteolytic enzymes early on, resulting in a quality more than twice as good as conventionally aged meat.

"Previously, processing less-preferred cuts involved using artificial additives to improve meat quality," said CEO Kim Cheol-beom. "With our deep-aging technology, we will take the lead in providing healthy and delicious meal options."

Additionally, a dedicated 'Agri-Food Accelerator Pavilion' was set up to support the growth of early-stage startups. Six accelerator companies introduced their portfolios and future investment plans.

The accelerator pavilion, arranged to support the growth of startups. = Reporter Kim Woo-ram

The official added a pledge, stating, "The accelerator industry will actively help by providing specialized acceleration and support tailored for agri-food startups."

In another part of the exhibition hall, the 'Smart Agriculture Venture Nurturing Support Concert,' hosted by the Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency, was underway.

"I was able to gain useful insights into starting a business through this concert," said one audience member. "I'm glad to have learned about the technology and current status of the agri-food sector, which was unfamiliar to me."

Park Beom-soo, Vice Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, stated, "I hope the agri-food startups participating today will showcase their technologies and grow into excellent companies. The government will also continue to provide unsparing support for the growth of these startups."

By Kim Woo-ram / kwr@newsprime.co.kr