Nasekomo upgrades neonate tech to boost insect protein production
“Our aim is 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 in 2017.
The method the company has developed allows neonate insects to be placed in a state of 'paused development' without using low temperatures during storage and transport, says Bolard.
“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. Our suspension technology directly addresses these issues.
“Unlike traditional methods, our system ensures that BSF neonates arrive at their destination in the same developmental stage as when they were initially loaded, even after 10 days and more from the day they have been packed. This kind of preservation of larval development is a game changer for our customers, as they can 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,” he tells us.
Cost reduction
Asked about the logistics related benefits of this innovation, Bolard says:
“Our technology offers several key advantages such as lower logistics costs as there is no need for temperature-controlled transport and easy transfer of neonates to the respective manufacturers' feeding systems. Traditional refrigerated trucks are both energy-intensive and costly to operate. The ability to transport the BSF neonates – these sensitive organisms - under normal temperature conditions offers substantial cost savings. Moreover, this flexibility allows us to reach a wider range of destinations, providing our customers with greater accessibility.
“In addition, the medium in which the newborns "sleep" is optimized in terms of volume to a minimum, so that our packs are small and easily transportable.”
Suspended animation
The process of inducing a state of suspended animation in neonates is intricate and involves several key factors, he reports. “While the substrate content plays a significant role and represents a major innovation on our part, it's the entire set of conditions—ranging from the environment in which the neonates are laid and hatched to the packaging process—that ensures the best possible outcomes.”
While the exact formulation of the medium used for the BSF neonates cannot be disclosed, Bolard claims numerous tests have confirmed that it effectively reduces the larvae's energy expenditure without the need for refrigeration.
Elaborating on the process of 'activating' the neonates on entering the production facility, he says that activation is a straightforward process. “Upon arrival, the neonates are simply introduced to a suitable feeding environment. Our technology ensures that the larvae rapidly resume normal growth and development, with no additional steps required.”
Breeding outsourcing
The insect farming industry is becoming more specialized and segmented due to the complexity and expertise required at each stage. Outsourcing the breeding stage can reduce operational costs and allow producers to concentrate on rearing and processing, explains Bolard.
“Genetic selection, egg hatching, and even the intricate details of fly mating are specialized areas demanding specific knowledge and resources. By providing a reliable and consistent supply of superior hatchlings, we empower insect protein producers to focus on their core competencies, such as rearing and harvesting. This specialization fosters efficiency and innovation, ensuring a more robust and sustainable insect protein industry.”
Genetic advances
Nasekomo's larvae also benefit from advanced genetic selection, notes Bolard.
“Our neonates represent the pinnacle of BSF genetics, developed through our innovative program by Fly Genetics—a joint venture with Groupe Grimaud. Utilizing natural selection, our neonates are bred for superior growth, exceptional feed conversion efficiency, and robust resilience. These enhanced traits directly result in higher yields, reduced feed costs, and lower mortality rates for our customers.”
Next steps
The cofounders’ visionary plan is to establish an international network of bioconversion factories across Europe, strategically located near agricultural or industrial sites of future partners committed to sustainably utilizing secondary raw materials.
“Nasekomo will supply these partnering bioconversion factories with BSF neonates, robotized bioconversion equipment, and a digital platform to analyze and leverage data through machine learning algorithms. We hold several international patents for robotic solutions in industrial insect farming,” comments Marc Bolard.
The company’s recently completed €8m Series A funding round, led by private equity firm Invenio Partners, will fuel the launch of this facilities network, reports Marcenac.
The first franchise factory, which serves as Nasekomo's second site following the successful launch of its industrial demonstration center near Sofia, Bulgaria, will also be located in Bulgaria in partnership with a local entrepreneur, he explains.
“To build the connectivity of this network in real time, we have succeeded in attracting Siemens as a partner. 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,” adds Marcenac.
