South Korea’s Simple Planet Partners with Thailand’s Halal Science Center to Advance Halal Certification in Cultivated Food

South Korea 20.02.2025

Source: DairyNews.today

South Korean bio-foodtech startup Simple Planet, a pioneer in cell-based functional food ingredients, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand’s Halal Science Center (HSC) at Chulalongkorn University to establish a Halal-certified production framework for cultivated food. The collaboration aims to integrate Halal Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) into biotech-driven food solutions, ensuring compliance with Halal standards in the rapidly growing alternative protein sector.

South Korea’s Simple Planet Partners with Thailand’s Halal Science Center to Advance Halal Certification in Cultivated Food

The official MOU signing took place at the Halal Science Center’s research facility in Bangkok, attended by Dr. Winai Dahlan, Founding Director of HSC, and Dr. Dominic Jeong, CEO of Simple Planet. This partnership underscores Simple Planet’s commitment to bridging biotechnology and Halal food standards, recognizing the significant market potential in the global Muslim community, which exceeds 1.9 billion people.

Under the agreement, Simple Planet and HSC will collaborate on Halal science and technology research, facilitating resource-sharing, joint academic programs, and industry-led seminars. The partnership will also support student internships, faculty exchanges, and joint research initiatives, fostering a cross-disciplinary approach to Halal certification in cultivated food production.

“With climate change disrupting food supply chains, alternative protein sources are becoming critical,” said Dr. Dominic Jeong, CEO of Simple Planet. “By integrating Halal standards into biotech food production, we aim to make cultivated food accessible to Muslim consumers worldwide.”

Dr. Winai Dahlan, Founding Director of HSC, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This collaboration marks a significant step in ensuring that Muslims are included in the evolving global food landscape, particularly in the field of cultivated food.”

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Simple Planet has emerged as a leader in cell-based food ingredient development, specializing in high-protein alternative powders and unsaturated fat-rich solutions. The company has secured $8 million in funding and established partnerships with 27 universities globally, positioning itself as a key innovator in the bio-foodtech space.

The Halal Science Center Chulalongkorn University, founded in 1995, has played a pivotal role in advancing Halal certification research. Under Dr. Dahlan’s leadership, HSC has received numerous accolades, including the Best Innovation in Halal Industry award from Malaysia’s Halal Journal. The institution collaborates with over 50 universities and organizations worldwide, continually expanding its influence in Halal science.