This presentation introduces a life cycle assessment tool designed to evaluate the sustainability of nature-based aquaculture practices. The tool measures environmental impacts such as carbon footprint and supports farmers, researchers, and policymakers in identifying mitigation strategies for more eco-friendly production systems. This pitch was presented by Kobboon Kaewpila of the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Laboratory, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi.

LEAPS is a climate-smart aquaculture initiative in Java that combines shrimp farming with mangrove restoration to strengthen coastal community resilience. Implemented under the AQUADAPT program with funding from Global Affairs Canada and IDRC, the project promotes inclusive, nature-based approaches for small-scale shrimp aquaculture. By integrating real-time IoT water quality monitoring, wastewater treatment and gender-responsive practices, LEAPS reduces greenhouse gas emissions while restoring mangroves and supporting communities. The project also informs evidence-based policy, helping scale sustainable aquaculture solutions across the region. Aligning shrimp farming with ecosystem restoration, LEAPS supports both livelihoods and climate adaptation. This pitch was presented by Rocky Pairunan and Burhanuddin Zein.

Farm Suite by Greenovator is a digital farm management tool tailored for aquaculture in Myanmar. The platform helps farms and agribusinesses streamline planning and daily operations by tracking activities, inputs, and yields through a real-time, business-grade dashboard. Recognised as a top-3 innovation in the Grow Asia Challenge, Farm Suite provides an affordable, professional alternative to manual record-keeping. With its mobile app interface, it delivers actionable insights that empower aquaculture managers to boost productivity and sustainability. This pitch was presented by Yin Yin Phyu.

Kitiya Vongkamjan, co-founder of UniFAHS, shares the journey of building a pioneering phage biotechnology company in Thailand. UniFAHS develops bacteriophage-based solutions to tackle antimicrobial resistance and improve food safety in agriculture, aquaculture, livestock, and food processing. UniFAHS was recognised as a Global Finalist in the Extreme Tech Challenge 2022 and has grown into a venture-backed startup, raising USD 1.4 million in seed funding from A2D Ventures, ADB Ventures, and InnoSpace (Thailand). The story highlights how cutting-edge science can be transformed into scalable commercial solutions with real-world impact.

In this presentation, Fabian Reusch, founder of HydroNeo, shares the story of how HydroNeo began and the lessons learned along the way of building a tech startup in Thailand. Aimed at fellow aquaculture entrepreneurs and startup founders, his talk is an open and honest reflection on the realities of the journey — not a polished, glamorous pitch that only highlights the wins, but a candid look at both successes and setbacks, the difficult decisions, and the ongoing challenges that shape the real path of building a company.

Mariska Bottema (WorldFish) and Rebecca McMillan (IDRC) discuss the concept of nature-based aquaculture, why it matters for innovation and entrepreneurship, and how it can support ecosystems, communities, and profitability. Topics include: Defining nature-based aquaculture and its connection to nature-based solutions; criteria such as climate resilience, ecosystem health, reduced antimicrobial use, and inclusivity; global examples: mangrove–shrimp integration, women-led seaweed farming, integrated multi-trophic systems, and rice–fish farming; supportive technologies including IoT, renewable energy, and life cycle assessment; and opportunities for entrepreneurs: resilient farms, reduced risks, lower costs, premium markets, funding, and partnerships.

A discussion on how creative partnerships build markets for nature-based seafood from farm to fork. Topics include rigorous sustainability and certification, smallholder capacity building, traceability and water-quality sensing, decarbonising supply chains, short supply chains and consumer trust, plus species literacy and whole-fish utilisation in Thai cuisine. Panelists:

• Special Guest Chef Black (Blackitch Artisan Kitchen).
• Panu Boonsong, Thai Union Group.
• Duangchai Paungkaew, Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
• Gun Jinnawat, Vice-President, Boonsawang Farm.