According to a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, the signing was conducted by BRIN's Deputy Research and Innovation Utilization, R. Hendrian, and Simple Planet CEO, Dominic Jeong, in Jakarta on Monday (Oct 20).
Hendrian said the collaboration focuses on biotechnology, health, and sustainable food systems, supporting BRIN's mission to transform advanced research into safe, ethical, and socially beneficial innovations for both communities and industries.
One of the main focuses of the collaboration is the development of chondroitin sulfate through cell-based technology, which is a key component in the development of functional materials and biopharmaceuticals.
Chondroitin sulfate is a natural compound belonging to the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) group — long chains of complex sugar molecules found in the body's connective tissues, particularly cartilage, skin, ligaments, and blood vessel walls.
Hendrian stated that various BRIN facilities, such as biotechnology and tissue culture laboratories, fermentation facilities, and food testing laboratories in Yogyakarta, are ready to support the collaboration.
"The initiative is highly relevant to BRIN's research direction in food biotechnology, functional materials, and biopharmaceutical development. Through the partnership, we aim to strengthen our capabilities in the rapidly growing field of cellular agriculture," Hendrian said.
Meanwhile, Simple Planet CEO Dominic Jeong expressed appreciation for collaborating with BRIN, stating the company aims to learn from ongoing research in Indonesia and further expand their partnership, emphasizing it as a valuable opportunity for cooperation.
Jeong explained that his company is currently developing cells from various animals, such as cows, chickens, salmon, and flatfish, to create sustainable alternative sources of protein and fat.
He noted Indonesia's strong potential in food and biotechnology research, adding that BRIN's diverse projects attract the company, which collaborates with several major global food firms to broaden its research and innovation network.
"We are currently looking for specific R&D projects and hope to launch them early next year. We look forward to this collaboration growing and producing impactful innovations," Jeong said.
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Translator: Sean Filo Muhamad, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Arie Novarina
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