AQUAINNOVATE showcases regional aquaculture innovation and nature-based solutions https://enaca.org/rss/?id=1403 The first AquaInnovate event, held in Bangkok from 12-16 May, brought together aquaculture startups, entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors from across the Asia-Pacific region for an intensive week of learning, pitching, and collaboration. Convened by NACA and FutureFish, with funding support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) AQUADAPT project, the programme focused on accelerating nature-based aquaculture innovation and building a stronger regional startup ecosystem. A platform for innovation AquaInnovate was designed to provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge, networks, and tools to transform promising ideas into viable businesses. Over 25 participants from across Asia-Pacific joined the event, representing a diverse mix of early-stage companies, researchers, and innovators. Across five days, they engaged in interactive sessions, personalised coaching, field visits, and practical workshops, all aimed at sharpening business models and fostering partnerships. Startup pitches and feedback A key feature of the event was the startup pitch sessions, where 14 aquapreneurs presented solutions ranging from sustainable aquafeeds and probiotics to shrimp health innovations, aquaculture automation, and circular economy approaches. Each pitch was followed by questions and feedback from peers, industry experts, and investors. Entrepreneurs received practical advice on investment readiness, market positioning, and scaling strategies, helping to refine their value propositions. Industry representatives from HydroNeo and UniFAHS shared lessons on scaling aqua-tech and biotech innovations, stressing the importance of affordability, trust-building, and local validation. Their insights reinforced the challenges and opportunities for startups navigating fragmented markets in Asia. Expert sessions and coaching circles The programme featured a series of expert-led sessions on core themes, including: Business fundamentals - practical steps to strengthen operations, build scalable ventures, and prepare for investment. Investing for impact - strategies to attract mission-aligned capital and engage with investors in developing Asia. Nature-based aquaculture solutions - aligning innovation with ecosystems, community resilience, and sustainability. Gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) ensuring aquaculture innovation is accessible, equitable, and empowering. Small-group coaching circles gave participants the opportunity to workshop challenges directly with experts, covering issues such as IP ownership, commercialisation strategies, financing, and inclusive business design. These sessions provided targeted feedback and encouraged peer learning. Field visits: Learning from Thai Innovators Participants travelled to two pioneering farms in Thailand for hands-on learning. At LST Farm, Somprasong Natetip demonstrated Thailand’s only biosecure hatchery producing SPF all-male freshwater prawns, showcasing genetic RAS systems and low-energy water treatment innovations. At Boonsawang Farm, Gunn and Suthi Mahalao shared their approach to premium seabass farming, covering disease management, certification, and diversification into new species. These visits offered practical insights into the realities of farm operations, innovation adoption, and the commercial drivers shaping aquaculture businesses. Watch the Presentations Videos of startup pitches and expert sessions from AquaInnovate 2025 are now available below and on NACA's YouTube channel. For background on the participants and full programme details, please see the AquaInnovate Hub website . [email protected] [email protected] Copyright all rights reserved AquaInnovate: Join us https://enaca.org/?id=1445

AquaInnovate was an immersive AquaHub networking and coaching event for aquaculture entrepreneurs and startups was held in Bangkok from 12-19 May. AQUAINNOVATE brought together promising startups to pitch their ideas, network, and participate in expert coaching circles.

Convened by NACA and FutureFish with funding support from Canada's International Development Research Centre, the programme included sessions on business fundamentals, investing for impact, nature and community based business innovations, and interactions with experts from the the National Innovation Agency, Center of Excellence for Shrimp Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, and Mahidol University.

The programme included visits to local farms that are driving innovation and leading the industry, panel discussions on the aquaculture startup ecosystem and nature-based seafood markets and creative partnerships.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:28:40 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1445 Reimagine Fish Farming with RAS-P.I.N.A.S https://enaca.org/?id=1444

Elisa Claire Sy of E-Primate presents RAS-P.I.N.A.S, a closed-loop, water-efficient system for land-based fish farming. The technology integrates biofiltration, aeration, and mechanical treatment to support high-density production while conserving water and land and reducing disease risk. RAS-P.I.N.A.S also offers flexibility in farm siting, with trade-offs in energy use and infrastructure costs. Recirculating aquaculture systems are gaining traction as a key innovation in Asia’s sustainable aquaculture future.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:26:23 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1444 Green Controller: Smart Farming for a Sustainable Future https://enaca.org/?id=1442

Green Controller by ICM Electronics is a smart water quality monitoring system for aquaculture, powered by high-precision titanium sensors. It tracks dissolved oxygen, salinity, and pH in real time, with full control through a mobile app and instant anomaly alerts. The system enables automated aeration based on live data, reducing energy use, lowering aerator run time, and improving feed conversion efficiency for more sustainable aquaculture operations. This pitch was presented Sukmit Teekhasenee of ICM Electronics.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:24:10 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1442 Cweed Aquasolutions: Empowering Communities Through Nature-based Solutions https://enaca.org/?id=1441

Cweed Aquasolutions, a spin-off from Universiti Malaya, works with coastal communities to develop seaweed cultivation through integrated multi-trophic aquaculture. The initiative repurposes abandoned shrimp ponds in Peninsular Malaysia, providing training and technical support for farmers to start seaweed farming. Cweed Aquasolutions also buys back harvested product, creating a sustainable livelihood model that links community development with nature-based aquaculture solutions. This pitch was presented Adibi M. Nor, CTO of Cweed Aquaculture Solutions.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:22:56 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1441 ShrimpGuard: Nature's shield for healthy shrimp https://enaca.org/?id=1440

ShrimpGuard, developed by BIOTEC, NSTDA, and Kasetsart University in Thailand, is a phage-based innovation for managing shrimp health. It targets Vibrio infections using bacteriophages combined with immune-boosting agents, reducing antimicrobial use while improving farm productivity and sustainability across ASEAN. The project also engages farmers directly through training, outreach, and field trials to ensure practical application and lasting benefits for coastal communities and the wider aquaculture sector. This pitch was presented by Wanilada Rungrassamee of BIOTEC.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:21:15 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1440 Circular Nutrition: Transforming Fish Byproducts into Sustainable Aquafeed https://enaca.org/?id=1439

Circular nutrition in aquaculture focuses on reducing waste and closing nutrient loops by transforming fish byproducts into sustainable aquafeed. Simon Das from the Tropical Aquafeed Innovations Lab at James Cook University presents how this model can cut reliance on wild-caught forage fish while supporting cost-effective, nutritionally balanced diets. The lab’s work includes developing weaning protocols for pellet-ready fingerlings, training farmers in advanced feeding practices and economics, and promoting gender and youth inclusion. Circular nutrition highlights how rethinking resource use can make aquaculture both more efficient and more sustainable.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:19:36 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1439 TOMGOXY: Super Intensive Vannamei Shrimp Farming Towards Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality https://enaca.org/?id=1438

TOMGOXY is an AI- and IoT-powered shrimp farming system developed by RYNAN Aquaculture in Vietnam. It transforms traditional ponds into super-intensive, high-efficiency systems that deliver higher yields with reduced water and energy use. The platform integrates smart sensors, cloud analytics, and advanced aeration to maintain optimal water quality, cut antibiotic reliance, and advance sustainable shrimp aquaculture. By combining digital technology with practical training and on-farm deployment, TOMGOXY helps farmers increase productivity, lower costs, and build long-term resilience in the shrimp industry. This pitch was presented by Dang Pham of RYNAN Aquaculture.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:18:13 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1438 QS Aqua Technology: Nature-based Innovation for Sustainable Aquaculture https://enaca.org/?id=1437

QS Aqua Technology, a startup from the InnoHub Program of Universiti Putra Malaysia, develops nature-based probiotic solutions for sustainable aquaculture. Their approach combines beneficial bacteria that support gut health and maintain balanced pond ecosystems with quorum sensing inhibition compounds from microalgae. These compounds block harmful bacteria from communicating, preventing disease outbreaks and reducing dependence on antibiotics. By improving pond health and resilience through microbial and algal innovations, QS Aqua Technology offers farmers safer, more sustainable tools to manage aquaculture production. This pitch was presented by Maya Liyana Hamzah of QS Aqua Technology.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:16:53 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1437 PowBio: A nature-based microbial solution turning fish pond waste into protein https://enaca.org/?id=1436

PowBio is a microbial inoculant developed by NileBioFish (NINEBIO GROUP Co., Ltd.) in Thailand to support sustainable biofloc aquaculture systems. Co-developed with Maejo University’s Faculty of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and supported by the Thailand National Innovation Agency, PowBio uses high-efficiency microorganisms to turn fish pond waste into natural protein. By reducing ammonia and nitrite levels, improving water quality, and recycling nutrients within ponds, PowBio helps farmers cut feed costs, lower water exchange needs, and reduce chemical inputs. The result is healthier harvests without muddy off-flavors—delivered through a practical, low-cost, and easy-to-use solution for more productive and resilient aquaculture. This pitch was presented by Nissara Kitcharoen of NileBiofish.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:15:40 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1436 DeepBlue Aquaculture: Phytogenics Approach to Improve Mud Crab Growth Performance https://enaca.org/?id=1435

DeepBlue Aquaculture, the world’s largest soft-shell crab operation, is pioneering the use of phytogenics to improve mud crab growth performance. Soft-shell crab farming is traditionally labor-intensive and low-yield, making it difficult to scale. Their proprietary plant-based additive, PhytoEcR, boosts mud crab growth and moulting rate—delivering up to 20% higher weight gain after 45–60 days, with a 40% increase in moulting rate and 35% faster moulting compared to control groups. PhytoEcR is now moving into commercial-scale testing, aligning with global trends in phytogenic feed solutions to enhance productivity and sustainability. This pitch was presented by Andrew Ng of Deep Blue aquaculture.

]]> Wed, 20 Aug 2025 06:14:24 +0000 https://enaca.org/?id=1435