Frontier Labs is a joint program between CJ CheilJedang (the global food and bio company), SparkLabs (the global startup accelerator), and the Korea Agriculture Technology Promotion Agency. The program seeks to identify and support the next generation of startups with the potential to lead and innovate the food, environment and lifestyle industries. During the 6-month-long program, the selected startup will be granted the opportunity to collaborate with any of CJ CheilJedang’s divisions and business affiliates, and to utilize CJ’s local and global infrastructure. The selected startup will also be granted priority review for a follow-on investment following the program’s Demo Day. In addition, program participants will have the opportunity to interact and synergize with Frontier Labs’ alumni as well as hundreds of portfolio companies from SparkLabs. Special benefits from this year’s program include added consideration from the Korea Agriculture Technology Promotion Agency for its agri-food startup support programs, and grants from the Seoul Business Agency to support business growth. Frontier Labs began in 2021, and 7 companies across 2 batches have participated in the program.
Offline (cafes) and online community-based lifestyle platform for working professionals
“Spectral AI” solution identifies and prevents unwanted substance by using hyperspectral imaging and AI technology
“Returnit” provides companies (B2B) and consumers (B2C) with multi-use food containers
Premium “banchan” shop offering locally-sourced small proportion dishes to urban consumers
Subscriptions and payments management platform that provides personalized recommendations and data analytics
“Maht-it-jeo-yeom” is a medifood platform providing customized diet for patients
“Fasket” provides hyperlocal quick commerce
At the frontier of innovating the food industry
Possess products, technologies, or brands that aspire to globalize Korean taste or provide healthy options
Ex) Global K-Foods (traditional drinks, sauce/seasoning, etc.), “Better For You” brands and technologies, etc.
Possess technology that will create a sustainable culture around food and consumption
Ex) Alternative products (protein, ingredients, etc.), up-/re-cycling products and technologies
Possess innovative technology that will lead the food and lifestyle industries
Ex) Agri-tech, smart farms, smart packaging for food safety, smart cooking, food-related AI/big data, digital healthcare, etc.
With an initial investment and the accelerating program as the foundation, the program is designed to help startups improve their potential to receive follow-on investment
Feb. 20th ~ Apr. 3rd
Apr ~ Sep
3rd Week of Sep (Expected)