Air to Food technology is emerging as one of the most compelling innovations in the global bioeconomy, and Thailand is positioning itself to become a regional hub for this future-facing industry. The concept is deceptively simple yet profoundly transformative. Harnessing biotech processes that convert carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into protein, scientists and entrepreneurs are opening new pathways to address food security, reduce environmental impact, and create high-value biological products.

This is a strategic industrial development that could redefine how nations feed their populations and sustain their economies.

Thailand’s leadership in this space is being championed by figures such as Alongkorn Polbutr, Chairman of the FKI Institute and Vice Chairman of the National Reform Steering Council. He has emphasized that Air to Food innovation will help Thailand evolve into a food hub of the future. The timing is critical. Global demand for protein is projected to rise by more than 70 percent as the world’s population approaches 10 billion by 2050. Traditional agricultural methods alone cannot meet this demand without straining land, water, and climate resources. Air to Food offers a scalable alternative that aligns with sustainability goals while tapping into lucrative markets.

International precedents already demonstrate the viability of this technology. Finland’s Solar Foods has achieved production capacity of 160 tons per year, while China has scaled protein production through gas fermentation using industrial carbon emissions. The United States and Europe are also investing heavily in airborne protein development, targeting applications across human food, aquafeed, and premium biological products. Thailand sees opportunity in these examples and is moving to adapt and expand the technology domestically.

The potential markets are vast. Future Food, aquafeed, premium pet food, nutraceuticals, and cosmeceuticals together represent an estimated value of 135 billion baht by 2027. Thailand is already a global leader in pet food exports, with annual values between 85,000 and 100,000 million baht. The pharmaceutical commodities market exceeds 80,000 million baht, while medical cosmetics and skincare contribute another 120,000 to 150,000 million baht. Air to Food technology could strengthen these industries by reducing reliance on imported raw materials and creating new domestic value chains.

Aquafeed is a particularly promising sector. Thailand produces about 1 to 1.2 million tons annually, yet demand outpaces supply, forcing reliance on imported fishmeal. Replacing even 15 percent of imported fishmeal with microbial protein could save 3,500 to 5,000 million baht per year. Similarly, Thailand imports 3.5 to 4 million tons of soybean meal annually for animal feed, valued at 60,000 to 80,000 million baht. Substituting just 10 percent with Air to Food protein would retain 6,000 to 8,000 million baht within the domestic economy.

Challenges remain. Clean energy costs, infrastructure investment, and regulatory frameworks for novel foods must be addressed. Safety assessments of microbial-derived proteins and extracts need to be accelerated to match international standards. Without these measures, attracting deep-tech investment will be difficult. Yet Thailand’s existing strengths in food production, aquaculture, and pet food industries provide a solid foundation. Air to Food technology reduces dependence on land and water resources, making it resilient against climate variability.