Making strides in the protein transition with a smart mealworm farm
EntoBreed is an innovative agri-tech start-up focused on the sustainable cultivation of edible mealworms. This is how they’re contributing to the protein transition. EntoBreed’s aim is to create a circular product by using the residual flows from the food industry as feed for their mealworms. They are also using smart culture cells for the efficient use of energy and the insect manure left over after breeding is sold as a fertiliser substitute. EntoBreed was keen to take the next step in automating their production process. Read more about EntoBreed and its collaboration with TNO below!
EntoBreed's question for TNO
EntoBreed turned to TNO through the Fast Track expressing a desire to expand their process automation. Their question: ‘How do we design the smart factory of the future? And where do we start?’ After a quick intake, TNO visited EntoBreed with a diverse team of experts who, during an Expert Session XL, provided the organisation with an initial roadmap for a smart factory. The session with TNO revealed that their cost price had to be seriously reduced while clarifying how they should go about setting up the smart factory.
Quote by the entrepreneur
"You don’t know what you don’t know. What I found very valuable in the collaboration with TNO was that they were able to provide insight into our blind spot"
Wouter Simons, Director EntoBreed
What does EntoBreed do?
EntoBreed produces the protein of the future with a very low carbon footprint. Our mealworms serve as protein-rich ingredients for the food industry. With our circular production method, we're solving a fundamental problem for food producers that aim to produce food sustainably. Ten years ago, plant-based food was the focus. In ten years’ time, everyone will be eating products with EntoBreed proteins and oils!
What makes EntoBreed so special?
The fact that mealworm protein solves a problem in the sustainable food industry and protein transition is not the only thing that makes our concept so unique; EntoBreed also processes fibre from mealworm moults. These fibres can be used as dietary fibres but also have value for the pharmaceutical industry. We also add value to mealworm manure by making it a product. In doing so, we’re ensuring that all parts of the animal are used.
What's next?
We will continue to make technically innovative strides. With the first roadmap we’ve been able to set up with TNO, it’s a lot clearer for us which direction we want to move toward with our smart farm. TNO was also able to link us to a partner with whom we started a 12-week project to take concrete first steps toward our smart and circular farm, which will also be able to generate heat for the neighbourhood. The process is still in its infancy, but it’s already showing a lot of promise.
Want to know more?
For more information on EntoBreed please visit their website. Do you have a challenge, ambition or issue of your own? Contact TNO Fast Track to start making an impact together!