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CELLULAR AGRICULTURE
TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2026
The field of cellular agriculture - cultivated meat and seafood & precision fermentation - is rapidly expanding and in need of passionate new talents including scientists, engineers, and innovators.
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Back by popular demand, APAC-SCA (Student Chapter) is proud to present you the 2nd Edition of Cellular Agriculture Talent Development Programme,
running from April to October 2026!
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This programme follows a one mentor to one mentee structure pairing experienced professionals and leaders in the cellular agriculture ecosystem with selected students aged eighteen and above from local (Singapore) academic institutions. Through guided mentorship project scoping and industry engagement, the programme supports mentees in their scientific discovery journey while nurturing them as future contributors to the field of cellular agriculture.​
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The programme will conclude in mid-October 2026 with a presentation and poster judging session for mentees to present their research findings to an expert audience. Winner of the poster presentation and judging session will join GFI APAC on a curated learning journey at the Singapore International Agrifood Week (starting from 3 November 2026) filled with networking opportunities.
Seven seasoned professionals from the industry and academia have been selected as mentors.
The Cellular Agriculture Talent Development Programme 2026 is a unique initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of innovators in cellular agriculture. This is an incredible opportunity to advance your skills, knowledge, and career prospects in a fast-growing field that is shaping the future of food and sustainability.
Dr. Louis Ong Jun Ye Scientist, Future Foods, School of Applied Science, Temasek Polytechnic
Dr. Lay Poh Tan,
Associate Professor, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University
Dr. Adison Wong
Associate Professor, Teaching & Learning (T&L) Lead, Food, Chemical & Biotechnology Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology
What you'll gain
Mentorship and Networking
Gain invaluable insights and mentorship from seasoned professionals and fellow aspiring innovators in the field of cellular agriculture.
Research and Presentation Skills
Gain experience working on cutting-edge projects and presenting your findings in a professional setting. Strengthen your scientific and problem-solving skills and tackle real-world challenges in the field of cellular agriculture.
Certificate of Participation & Winner Benefits
Present your findings to a panel of industry experts during the final presentation and poster judging session in mid-October 2026 and conclude your journey with us as a winner of the competition at the Singapore International Agrifood Week, starting 3rd November 2026.
Programme Overview
The talent programme spans six months, from 2nd April to mid-October 2026. As a mentee, you will:
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Work closely with one of our seven mentors as an individual on case studies or research projects related to cellular agriculture (no literature reviews).
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Dive into scientific discovery for the cellular agriculture field and problem-solving to prepare a poster for presentation to showcase your results.
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Engage in a combination of on-site and virtual activities to maximise learning and collaboration.
Programme Structure
Mid-March 2026
Receive your confirmation email in the 3rd week of March 2026, attend the physical briefing session on 2nd April 2026 to meet your mentor and discuss the scope of your research project (come prepared!).
April - September 2026
Mentorship attachments that include a minimum of:​
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Six non-consecutive days of on-site engagement in Singapore (dates to be arranged between you and your mentor).
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Four non-consecutive virtual meetings (dates to be arranged between you and your mentor).
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Meeting minutes with photos to be updated after each meetups.
End-September 2026
Submission of presentation slides and A3 research poster by mentee.
Mid-October 2026
Poster presentation and judging session, where you will present your research findings to an audience of experts and stakeholders.
Early November 2026
Winner of the poster presentation and judging session will join GFI APAC on a curated learning journey at the Singapore International Agrifood Week (starting from 3 November 2026) filled with networking opportunities.
Eligibility
Join us as a mentee if you are:
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Students aged 18+ currently enrolled in a Singapore academic institution.
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Interest in cellular agriculture, biotechnology, food science, or related fields.
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Availability to fully commit to the programme schedule, including on-site engagements in Singapore.