Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi steroids for sale online usa Garwi at IIT-Roorkee invested every minute of leisure time in understanding how food waste can be valuable. Their keen interest and enthusiasm in social entrepreneurship developed a concept of ‘upcycling’ during one of their final year projects. The United Nations, while going through various reports, intrigued the duo.
They came across the concept of producing insect-based protein-rich animal feed, and this concept was already achieving heights in the West. In this process, the insects are left to feed on food waste, making them rich in protein, fats, and nutrients. They are then extracted and used as an alternate protein in animal feed and pet food.
This concept of turning food waste into a valuable resource and bringing it back to the food chain led to the inception of Loopworm in 2019. The Bengaluru-based biotechnology startup developed an indoor-based innovative insect breeding, production, and processing technology. It produced sustainable Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae-based proteins and fats.
The food waste collected from processing industries or manufacturers is first converted into high-quality feedstock by thermal, chemical, and biological treatment, and then it is fed to these insects. The protein and fat accumulated in these insects are extracted and used in different products. Loopworm produced B2B products, including protein concentrate, protein powder, insect oil and insect frass. The products derived are used in animal feed and as a raw material in cosmetic products. The insect frass is used as a soil additive that enhances the soil’s immunity.
The duo conducted initial experiments with insects and food waste from their apartment, which was at rent. They used to move around the city and collect food waste. After getting it to the apartment, they experimented with insects and debris. A lot of things are set right to get superior quality protein. The team is now looking at the commercialization of its products by connecting with animal food manufacturers.
Loopworm has secured grants worth Rs 1 crore from the union and Karnataka governments for this pilot project. There are about 350 animal feed and 30 pet food manufacturers, and this duo is working on innovation in feed formulation with food waste and insects. The target is to get revenue of $1.5 million by the end of 2023. To date, loop worm has diverted 60 tonnes of food waste.
The startup is now looking for equity funding and collaborations. They aim to process 20 tonnes of food waste daily. The vision is to produce 300 tonnes of protein by 2023 while utilizing 7000 tonnes of food by-products.
