The startup produces animal feed proteins and biological fertilizers through a bioconversion process that utilizes organic waste to cultivate black soldier fly larvae. This method addresses resource scarcity in agriculture by providing sustainable protein sources for aquaculture and livestock, while also generating carbon-neutral fertilizers.
Funding
$12.8M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
The aquaculture and livestock industries face increasing pressure to find sustainable and cost-effective protein sources for animal feed due to resource scarcity and the environmental impact of traditional feed production. Current feedstocks often rely on unsustainable practices, contributing to land degradation and depletion of marine ecosystems. Additionally, a significant portion of food produced globally is wasted, exacerbating resource inefficiency.
Solution
NextProtein addresses these challenges by producing insect-based protein for animal feed and biological fertilizers through a bioconversion process utilizing organic waste. The company breeds Black Soldier Fly larvae, which are then processed into protein powder (nextProtein) and lipid oil (nextOil) for use in aquaculture, pet food, and other animal feed applications. The remaining organic waste and frass are converted into a natural fertilizer (nextGrow) for use in agriculture. This approach creates a closed-loop system that reduces reliance on traditional feed sources, minimizes waste, and lowers the carbon footprint of animal feed production.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes aquaculture farmers, pet food manufacturers, and livestock producers seeking sustainable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional protein sources, as well as agricultural operations looking for natural fertilizer solutions.
Features
- Production of insect-based protein powder (nextProtein) for animal feed.
- Production of lipid oil (nextOil) for animal feed applications.
- Production of natural fertilizer (nextGrow) from Black Soldier Fly frass and organic waste.
- Bioconversion process that utilizes organic waste as a feedstock for insect cultivation.
- Black Soldier Fly larvae selected for their high-yield and beneficial qualities.
- Production capacity of up to one tonne of protein per day.
- EU approval for aquaculture feed.