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CELLULAR AGRICULTURE
TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2025
The field of cellular agriculture (cultivated meat & seafood, and precision fermentation) is hungry for new talents; scientists, engineers, and innovators. We are thrilled to announce the Cellular Agriculture Talent Development Programme 2025, spearheaded by APAC-SCA (Student Chapter) and supported by strategic partners: Good Food Institute APAC, A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research, & SGInnovate is now live! This unique initiative is designed to nurture the next generation of talents in cellular agriculture. In the next few months, four experienced professionals and leaders in the cellular agriculture field will serve as mentors for seven mentees across the higher learning institutes of Singapore, bringing a wealth of knowledge to guide and inspire them throughout the programme. Join us on 13 August 2025 as the mentees present their research findings at SGInnovate, 32 Carpenter Street.
participation is free with a small reception of food & drinks provided.
Schedule
2 winners shall emerge. Alongside a panel of judges, you, the participant of the event, will be part of the judging panel to grade how well the seven mentees have done. Join us on 13 August 2025 at SGInnovate to vote for your favourite presentation.
Registration
5.45PM - 6.10PM
SGInnovate Ticket Confirmation
Please show your SGInnovate ticket confirmation email at the registration counter. With limited slots, please make sure you are registered for the event.
Introduction & Safety Briefing
6.20PM - 6.30PM
Co-organisers
An introduction from APAC-SCA (Student Chapter), A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Good Food Institute APAC, & SGInnovate
Moderator: Arin Naidu,
SciTech Engagement Specialist, Good
Food Institute APAC
Panellist: Professor Huang Dejian, Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore
Panellist: Maanasa Ravikumar, PhD, Senior Science & Technology specialist, Good Food Institute APAC
Panellist: Wilma Heng, Manager, People Team, SGInnovate
Panellist: Dr Shigeki Sugii,
Founder, Impacfat
Panel Discussion
6.30PM - 7.00PM
Panel Discussion: Growing Future Talent for Cellular Agriculture in APAC
The panel explores how academic institutions, startups, and government agencies can work together to cultivate a strong, future-ready workforce for the cellular agriculture food products sector in Singapore.
Poster Research Showcase
7.10PM-8.20PM
Competition Showcase by 7 Mentees
Look forward to the presentations by seven mentees as they share their key learnings from the past 3 months - 2 winners shall emerge from the competition. (1) Panel of Judges, (2) Vote By You!
Networking + Refreshments
8.20PM-8.45PM
Poster Walk-around Session
This is your chance to network and interact with the seven presenters and to decide who you wish to vote as the winner. Take your chance to ask questions and network in the meantime.
Winners Reveal
8.45PM-8.50PM
2 Winners of the Cellular Agriculture Talent Development Programme will be announced following the decisions by (1) the panel of judges and (2) compilation of the popular votes. Each winner will be gifted a ticket to the Global Scientific Symposium happening during the Singapore International Agri-food Week (SIAW), complimentary from A*STAR - Agency for Science, Technology and Research.
Judge: Dr. Rufaihah Abdul Jalil, Domain Chair of Future Foods, Senior Lecturer, Temasek Polytechnic
Judge: Dr. Wong Kak Ming, Lecturer, School of Applied Science, Republic Polytechnic
Judge: Maanasa Ravikumar, PhD, Senior Science & Technology specialist, Good Food Institute APAC
Judge: Dr. Louis Ong Jun Ye Scientist, Future Foods, School of Applied Science, Temasek Polytechnic
AY25/26 Programmes Announcement
8.50PM-9.00PM
Announcement of upcoming activities under APAC-SCA (Student Chapter)
APAC-SCA (Student Chapter)'s AY25/26 President and Vice-Presidents will announce the upcoming activities for students in AY 2025/2026. Stay tuned!
Networking + Refreshments
9PM Onwards
Thank you for joining us!
This is your last chance to network and get your final refreshments.
Four seasoned professionals from the industry and academia have been selected as mentors.
The Cellular Agriculture Talent Development Programme 2025 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.
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 t tackle real-world challenges in the field of cellular agriculture.
Certificate of Participation
Present your findings to a panel of industry experts during the final poster research session in mid-August 2025 and conclude your journey with us.
Programme Overview
The talent programme spans three months, from late May to mid-August 2025. As a mentee, you will:
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Work closely with one of our mentors (in pairs) on case studies or research projects.
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Dive into scientific discovery for the cellular agriculture field and problem-solving to prepare a poster presentation showcasing your findings.
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Engage in a combination of on-site and virtual activities to maximise learning and collaboration.
Programme Structure
Late May 2025
Receive confirmation email in the 1st week of April, attend online briefing session, and enter the preparation phase in late May where you meet your mentor and are introduced to your project.
June - July 2025
Mentorship attachments that include:​
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Six non-consecutive days of on-site engagement in Singapore (dates to be arranged).
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Four non-consecutive virtual meetups with your mentor and project partner.
Mid-August 2025
Poster presentation and judging session, where you will present your research findings to an audience of experts and stakeholders.
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 commit to the programme schedule, including on-site engagements in Singapore.