BULGARIA – Nasekomo, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of alternative protein for animal feed production, has significantly enhanced its neonate delivery service for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae by introducing a groundbreaking suspension technology.
This innovation promises to improve the efficiency and reliability of insect-based protein production, making it a game-changer for the industry.
“We aim to expand the delivery of our neonates to a diverse range of companies involved in insect protein production, aquaculture feed, and other sustainable food and agricultural sectors. These companies value the genetic advantages and logistical efficiencies provided by our advanced suspension technology,” says Xavier Marcenac, co-founder of Nasekomo, alongside Olga Marcenac and biologist Marc Bolard.
The company’s new method allows neonate insects to be placed in a state of ‘paused development’ without using low temperatures during storage and transport.
Bolard explains that the insect industry faces several challenges, including inconsistent neonate supply, high transportation costs, and the complexity of maintaining optimal conditions for the adult reproduction cycle.
“Unlike traditional methods, our system ensures that BSF neonates arrive at their destination in the same developmental stage as when initially loaded, even after 10 days or more. This preservation of larval development allows our customers to begin their care regimen immediately upon arrival without any delay. Furthermore, our technology boasts a recovery rate of over 95%, guaranteeing the successful activation of larvae when introduced to a nutrient medium.”
Bolard further highlighted the logistical benefits, noting that Nasekomo’s technology offers several key advantages such as lower logistics costs since there is no need for temperature-controlled transport and effortless transfer of neonates to the respective manufacturers’ feeding systems.
“Transporting BSF neonates under normal temperature conditions offers substantial cost savings and allows us to reach a wider range of destinations, providing our customers greater accessibility. Additionally, the medium in which the newborns ‘sleep’ is optimized in terms of volume, making our packs small and easily transportable,” he explained.
Activating the neonates upon arrival at the production facility is straightforward and according to Bolard, Nasekomo’s technology ensures that the larvae rapidly resume normal growth and development with no additional steps required.
By providing a reliable and consistent supply of superior hatchlings, Nasekomo empowers insect protein producers to focus on their core competencies, such as rearing and harvesting, fostering efficiency and innovation within the industry.
Advanced genetic selection
Nasekomo’s larvae also benefit from advanced genetic selection, with their neonates developed through an innovative program by Fly Genetics—a joint venture with Groupe Grimaud.
Utilizing natural selection, Nasekomo’s neonates are bred for superior growth, exceptional feed conversion efficiency, and robust resilience. These enhanced traits result in higher yields, reduced feed costs, and lower mortality rates for their customers.
Bolard also provided that Nasekomo will supply partnering bioconversion factories with BSF neonates, robotized bioconversion equipment, and a digital platform to analyze and leverage data through machine learning algorithms to improve their offerings further.
The company’s recent €8 (US8.7) million Series A funding round, led by private equity firm Invenio Partners, will fuel the launch of this facilities network.
The first franchise factory, which will serve as Nasekomo’s second site after the successful launch of its industrial demonstration center near Sofia, Bulgaria, will also be located in Bulgaria in partnership with a local entrepreneur.
“We have succeeded in attracting Siemens as a partner to build the connectivity of this network in real-time. Together, we are pioneering the industrialization of insect cultivation through robotics, automation, machine learning, and AI, positioning Nasekomo at the forefront of global protein production,” Marcenac added.
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