Why Are Lab-Grown Meat Experiments in Space Gaining Attention?

In preparation for the “Age of Space Exploration,” the need to cultivate food directly in space is increasing.

Alongside this, there are expectations that lab-grown meat, produced by cultivating animal cells without slaughter, could be faster and more efficient in space. This is because, in a low-gravity environment, cultured meat cells proliferate faster than on Earth.

In fact, in 2018, the Israeli food-tech startup Aleph Farms successfully produced the world’s first lab-grown beef in space. This achievement opens the possibility for not only astronauts but also future humans living in space to consume self-cultivated meat.

Future Technologies on Display: Cultured Meat, Brainwave Communication, Lunar Probes, and More

The Ministry of Science and ICT (Minister Yoo Sang-im) opened the 2024 Korea Innovation Challenge Research Exhibition (APRO Open Lab) on the 16th at the Government Complex Sejong.

Being held for the first time this year, the main exhibition hall of Open Lab is divided into sections representing the innovative challenge-type R&D acronym A·P·R·O (Hall A, Hall P, Hall R, Hall O) and the R&D Support Hall. In Hall A and Hall R, visitors can experience fascinating and innovative research projects such as:

• Cultured meat created in laboratories
• Games designed for autism therapy
• Scar-free surgical robots

Additionally, models and research related to cutting-edge fields such as:

• Innovative small modular reactors
• Lunar probes
• Space, nuclear power, defense, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, materials science, and energy

Visitors can interact directly with researchers to learn about research exhibits, innovative R&D goals, solutions to challenges, innovative methods, and overcoming failures.

Alternative Chocolate is a sector currently receiving considerable attention within the global food tech industry. Given that Europe accounts for nearly half of the world's chocolate consumption and is strongly committed to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values, this trend is particularly prominent there.

As movements advocating for sustainable and healthy chocolate consumption gain momentum—aiming to reduce environmental pollution caused by chocolate production—investors are increasingly focusing on companies aligned with these goals.

With chocolate consumption expected to continue growing, investors are targeting chocolate production companies that meet ESG trends, specifically those committed to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Challenging Australian Food Market: Focus on Alternative Protein Products

To support entry into the Australian food market, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, has released a report titled 'A to Z of Food Exports to Australia for Korean Businesses'

According to the report, food expenditure in Australia is shifting towards health-conscious consumption and focusing on essential food categories due to the burden of inflation.

Key trends highlighted include growing demand for alternative protein products, health and wellness-oriented foods, and convenience foods.

KOTRA predicts steady growth in the alternative protein market, driven by increasing interest in sustainability, which considers health, environmental issues, and animal welfare."