Betagro Innovation Office
The Betagro Innovation Office plays a pivotal role in driving innovation, concentrating on the improvement of products, services, and processes throughout the value chain. Using the Stage-Gate Process—a globally recognized, high-performance innovation management system—the office ensures new ideas are transformed into market-ready solutions through clear scoping, robust business planning, prototype development, and rigorous testing. Successful projects include:
1. Advanced Biotechnology for Food Safety & Quality
- Pathogen Detection in Food Products
Pathogenic microorganisms can cause productivity losses of up to 2–3% of total production. In response, Betagro revolutionized food safety through advanced molecular biology technologies for the detection and control of pathogens in industrial facilities. As a result, this innovation significantly reduced losses from pathogenic contamination – from 2.0% in 2020 to just 0.6% in 2021.
- Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits for Swine and Fish Diseases
Betagro has developed rapid diagnostic test kits capable of accurately detecting pathogens in swine and fish at both DNA and protein levels. These kits deliver immediate results without the need for laboratory processing, enabling timely disease prevention and control. The technology enhances animal health, reduces the risk of disease outbreaks, and marks a significant step forward in advancing Thailand’s livestock industry to international standards.
- Exploring the Potential of the Microbiome and Probiotics
The Research and Innovation Center is actively studying and developing the potential of the microbiome and probiotics to create products that promote the health of both animals and humans – laying a vital foundation for well-being in the future.
2. Technologies for Enhancing Product Value and Packaging
- Extending Food Shelf Life with Smart Packaging:
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) has been adopted to extend the shelf life of fresh meat products from 12 to at least 14 days, helping to reduce spoilage and support export expansion to high-demand markets such as Japan and Singapore.
3. Genomics for Advanced Breeding and Innovation
- Genomics-Assisted Breeding Selection:
Genomic Selection allows fast and precise breeding of animals with superior genetic potential, greatly improving quality and productivity.
- Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Development:
Betagro is advancing Next Generation Sequencing techniques to enable faster and more comprehensive genetic data analysis, unlocking new insights in biology.
- Genome Editing Research & Development:
The Research and Innovation Center is studying and developing genome editing techniques to precisely and efficiently improve animal breeds and enhance disease resistance.