Category: News & Media
Collaboration combines advanced automated insect rearing platform with 170 years of German engineering expertise to accelerate global scale-up
NASEKOMO, a European biotechnology company specializing in industrial insect bioconversion systems, and REINARTZ – a German mechanical engineering company with more than 170 years of experience in plant engineering and mechanical separation process technologies, have signed a strategic partnership agreement to accelerate the industrial-scale deployment of insect bioconversion solutions worldwide.
The agreement sets the basis for a long-term technological and commercial collaboration focused on scaling the industry through a bioconversion technology, developed by NASEKOMO – Automated Insect Rearing Beds & Bots (AIR2B). The platform, an innovative technology inspired by vertical farms, redefines the industrial insect farming through deep-substrate rearing, robotics and full environmental control — all without the use of crates. Under the partnership framework, the two companies will jointly work on the platform’s commercialization and global deployment.
Combining Automated Rearing Technology with Industrial Processing Expertise
Beyond its long-standing expertise in mechanical separation technologies, REINARTZ supports industrial insect bioconversion projects with robust downstream processing solutions. The company specializes in processing dried larvae into protein meals, oils and fertilizer fractions at industrial scale, with a strong focus on operational reliability and maintainability.
REINARTZ enters the partnership with its industrial engineering, manufacturing, and global sales capabilities while NASEKOMO contributes its proprietary insect bioconversion platform, deep expertise in automated insect rearing systems, and hands-on operational experience from running industrial-scale insect production environments. Over the past years, NASEKOMO has developed and validated a full-stack bioconversion system — combining biology, robotics, automation, and data — designed explicitly for industrial deployment, repeatability, and scalability. This systems-level approach positions the company among the few players globally capable of moving insect bioconversion beyond pilot projects toward standardized industrial infrastructure.
Industrializing Insect Bioconversion at Scale
Although the insect bioconversion has moved from experimental pilots to commercial proof points across Europe and beyond, the sector still faces a key challenge: while biology works, the technology is not yet easy to manufacture, deploy, and maintain at industrial scale. The partnership between REINARTZ and NASEKOMO directly targets that challenge and aims to turn insect bioconversion from a promising niche into a profitable industrial solution. It also reflects the broader pressure on global food and feed systems – the intense protein markets, the regulatory pressure on waste streams, and rising demand for circular solutions. Insects offer one of the most efficient biological mechanisms for converting low-value biomass into usable protein, oils, and fertilizers — but only if the underlying technology can operate on a scale.
REINARTZ contributes not only hardware and manufacturing capabilities, but also comprehensive process engineering and consulting expertise, from system design and scale-up to automation and lifecycle support. This integrated approach helps customers reduce technical risk, optimize operating costs, and accelerate commercial deployment.
“The insect industry does not lack innovation or market demand,” said Marc Bolard, co-founder and CEO of NASEKOMO, “What it needs is proven industrial-grade technology — systems that can be produced consistently, operated efficiently, and integrated into existing food, feed, and waste-processing value chains across the globe.”
“We believe this collaboration shows how partnerships between like-minded companies are essential for building sustainable and successful ventures in emerging industries”, said Artur Kühl, Managing Partner and CEO of REINARTZ.
While the partnership with NASEKOMO represents an important step in advancing insect rearing technologies, REINARTZ continues to operate as an independent engineering partner and leading supplier for dry insect rendering, developing tailor-made solutions based on each customer’s technical, economic and regulatory requirements. This approach ensures future-proof system architectures, regardless of specific technology platforms or partnership frameworks.
Both companies view the partnership as a way to reduce time-to-market, improve capital efficiency, and create repeatable, standardized solutions for customers across food and feed, which bring profitability to the respective market players.
Nasekomo started the new year with an introductory workshop between the partners of the project “Introduction of innovative ecological insect fertilizer for the needs of sustainable agriculture”, implemented within the framework of the European Innovation Partnership.
During the meeting, which took place on January 6, representatives of the partner organizations in the project had the opportunity to get acquainted closely with the production process of protein products and frass at the “Nasekomo” base, as well as with the company’s overall approach to sustainable bioconversion and the circular economy.
The event has been conducted as part of the “Formation of operational groups (first step)” procedure, which aims to support the creation of sustainable partnerships between business, science and agricultural producers, laying the foundations for the development and implementation of innovative solutions in agriculture. The funding covers activities related to the organization of cooperation, planning of scientific and applied research and preparation for the next stage of implementation.
The event was attended by representatives from Bioselena, a Bulgarian non-governmental organization working to develop organic farming in Bulgaria, the Association of Bulgarian Organic Producers, as well as farmers from organic farms. Representatives of the Plovdiv Agricultural University and the RVS Ruse laboratory joined the discussion online.
The working meeting took place in a constructive and positive atmosphere, with a clear shared commitment to implementing innovative solutions and an optimistic attitude for the future of organic farming in Bulgaria. The main focus of the discussions was the upcoming project activities, expected results, and the distribution of areas of action and responsibilities among the participants within the long-term project. The meeting laid the foundations for effective cooperation between business, science, and agricultural practice in support of the development of organic and sustainable agriculture.
The project “Introduction of an innovative ecological insect fertilizer for the needs of sustainable agriculture” is aimed at the development and scientific justification of a biofertilizer based on frass – a natural product from the industrial cultivation of Black Soldier Fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). In the long term, the initiative aims to contribute to the introduction of sustainable and circular solutions in agriculture.
The project is implemented under the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas of the Republic of Bulgaria 2023–2027, procedure “Establishment of Operational Groups (First Step)”, within the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI), under a grant agreement with the Bulgarian State Fund Agriculture.
„Насекомо“ стартира новата година с опознавателна работна среща между партньорите от проекта „Въвеждане на иновативен екологичен тор от насекоми за нуждите на устойчивото земеделие“, реализиран в рамките на Европейското партньорство за иновации.
По време на срещата, която се проведе на 6 януари, представителите на партньорските организации в проекта имаха възможност да се запознаят отблизо с производствения процес на протеинови продукти и фрас в базата на „Насекомо“, както и с цялостния подход на компанията към устойчивата биоконверсия и кръговата икономика.
Събитието се проведе в рамките на процедурата „Сформиране на оперативни групи (първа стъпка)“, която има за цел да подпомогне създаването на устойчиви партньорства между бизнеса, науката и земеделските производители, като постави основите за разработване и внедряване на иновативни решения в селското стопанство. Финансирането покрива дейности, свързани с организацията на сътрудничеството, планирането на научно-приложни изследвания и подготовката за следващ етап на реализация.
На срещата бяха представени „Биоселена“ – българска неправителствена организация, която работи за развитие на биологичното земеделие в България и Сдружението на българските произовдители на биопродукти, както и земеделци от биофермите „Биоконтакт“ и „Зелена Странджа“. В дискусията онлайн се включиха представители на Пловдивския Аграрен университет и лаборатория РВС Русе.
Работната среща премина в конструктивна и позитивна атмосфера, с ясно изразен общ ангажимент към реализирането на иновативни решения и оптимистична нагласа за бъдещето на органичното земеделие в България. Основен фокус на дискусиите бяха предстоящите проектни дейности, очакваните резултати и разпределението на областите на действие и отговорности между участниците в рамките на дългосрочния проект. Срещата постави основите за ефективно сътрудничество между бизнеса, науката и земеделската практика в подкрепа на развитието на органичното и устойчиво земеделие.
Проектът „Въвеждане на иновативен екологичен тор от насекоми за нуждите на устойчивото земеделие“ е насочен към разработването и научното обосноваване на биотор, базиран на фрас – естествен продукт от индустриалното отглеждане на ларви на Черна муха войник (Hermetia illucens). В дългосрочен план инициативата цели да допринесе за въвеждането на устойчиви и кръгови решения в земеделието.
Проектът се изпълнява по Стратегическия план за развитието на земеделието и селските райони на Република България 2023–2027 г., процедура „Сформиране на оперативни групи (първа стъпка)“ в рамките на Европейското партньорство за иновации за селскостопанска производителност и устойчивост (ЕПИ-АГРИ), по договор за безвъзмездна финансова помощ с Държавен фонд „Земеделие“.
“Насекомо” ЕАД обявява публична покана с предмет: “Дизайн, изработване и доставка на прототипна линия за извличане на хитин от черна муха-войник (ЧМВ)”, във връзка с изпълнението на дейности по проект “Demonstrable and replicable cluster implementing systemic solutions through multilevel circular value chains for eco-efficient valorization of fishing and fish industries side-streams”, договор номер 101036428/08.09.2021, с финансовата подкрепа на Европейската комисия по програма Хоризонт 2020, направление “SOCIETAL CHALLENGES – Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials”. Срок за входиране на офертите: 14 януари 2026 г.
Nasekomo EAD announces a public tender procedure with the subject “Design, manufacture and delivery of a prototype plant for extraction of chitin from Black Soldier Fly (BSF),” in accordance with its work on the project “Demonstrable and replicable cluster implementing systemic solutions through multilevel circular value chains for eco-efficient valorization of fishing and fish industries side-streams” (EcoeFISHent), Grant ID 101036428/08.09.2021, with the financial support of the European Commission through the Horizon2020 Research & Innovation Program, “SOCIETAL CHALLENGES – Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials”. Deadline for submission of bids: January 14, 2026.
Приложения / Attachments
As we step into 2026, Nasekomo shares a digital holiday video card with its partners, friends, and the wider community.
The card reflects our belief that the future of agriculture starts from the ground up and highlights our ongoing commitment to regenerative solutions and circular nutrient cycles. Initiatives like Frass to Future are part of this journey, unlocking the potential of insect frass as a natural soil enhancer and a building block for more resilient food systems.
We thank our partners for the trust and collaboration throughout the year and look forward to continuing our shared journey toward a more sustainable future.
As the world marks World Soil Day on 5 December 2025, under the theme “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”, Nasekomo steps forward with its new “Frass to Future” campaign to champion soil regeneration and climate action
Soil degradation is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. Intensive farming, chemical overuse, and climate change are stripping soils of organic matter and releasing massive amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere. The 2025 World Soil Day spotlights the vital role of soils — even beneath urban environments — in clean air, climate regulation, flood resilience, food security, and healthy cities. Nasekomo’s solution harnesses the power of frass, a natural by-product of insect farming that acts as a potent biofertilizer.
“Frass is nature’s own way of closing the carbon loop,” the company says. “By returning organic matter to the soil, we help rebuild fertility, boost biodiversity, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.”
Globally, scientific studies show that frass enriches soils with carbon and nitrogen, stimulates soil microbiology, and supports stronger plant growth. Research by the USDA Agricultural Research Service even shows that frass can double soil carbon stocks in just two years. Other scientific studies confirm that the natural chitin in frass enhances soil structure and moisture retention, helping the land stay productive even under increasing drought pressure.
Through “Frass to Future”, Nasekomo aims to raise public awareness about the importance of healthy soils and promote frass as a powerful, nature-based tool for sustainable agriculture. The campaign will connect farmers, experts, and citizens, while also launching field trials in Bulgaria to demonstrate the product’s impact on soil and crop performance.
To support its initiative, Nasekomo is opening a crowdfunding page and inviting anyone — individuals, farmers, and companies — to participate. “Everyone who joins becomes part of building a better future for our soil, our food, and our climate,” the company notes. It aims at building a community of supporters — from businesses to individuals — to join Nasekomo’s mission in regenerating soils, strengthening food systems and fighting climate change.
Click here to find more how support Frass to Future: https://nasekomo.life/frass-to-future/
On October 29, 2025, Nasekomo welcomed representatives from Phileo by Lesaffre – a world leader in yeast and microbial fermentation – to its Nasekomo Insect Center of Excellence (NICE) in Sofia.
The visit was the result of an enduring exchange and cooperation, initiated and developed by Marco Tejeda, Head of R&D at Nasekomo, and Juan Paredes, Phileo’s Global Species Manager – Insects. The collaboration began with a joint study of how selected products of Phileo can improve the growth and health performance of the black soldier fly (BSF). The promising results of these studies laid the foundation for more in-depth discussions and future prospects for collaboration between the two biotech companies.
The Phileo delegation, including Gildas Joaland (Director of Strategy and Partnerships), Juan Paredes (Global Species Manager – Insects) and Nadège Richard (R&D Aqua and Insects), was welcomed by CEO Marc Bolard, Marco Tejeda and key members of Nasekomo’s technical team. Later, Xavier Marcenac, Executive Chairman of Nasekomo’s Board of Directors, joined the discussions.
During the visit, the guests toured the industrial demonstration center, bioconversion facility and microbiology laboratory, gaining insight into Nasekomo’s integrated process for converting organic side streams into high-value insect-based ingredients. The agenda also included cross-presentations highlighting the complementarity between the two companies’ expertise in microbial and insect biotechnology.
The Phileo team presented their mission to “expand the boundaries of animal care” through beneficial microorganisms that promote animal health and sustainability in the insects, aquaculture, livestock and petcaresectors. Nasekomo, for its part, demonstrated how their insect bioconversion technology can bring circularity and efficiency to protein production, supported by advanced R&D capabilities.
The discussions throughout the day provided a solid foundation for future long-term collaboration, focusing on collaborative research, innovation in insect nutrition, and exploration of sustainable feed and ingredient solutions that leverage the scientific strengths of both partners.
“This meeting marks an important milestone in connecting two worlds of biological excellence – fermentation and insects – towards a shared vision for sustainable protein production,” said Marco Tejeda, Head of R&D at Nasekomo.
“Working together with Phileo by Lesaffre can unlock new opportunities for innovation and contribute to the feed industry’s transition to circular and natural solutions.”
By combining Phileo’s expertise in microbial fermentation with Nasekomo’s advances in insect bioconversion, the two companies are paving the way for new biological synergies that can boost feed efficiency, animal health and sustainability.
The visit concluded with a joint agreement on the mutual benefit of future collaboration between the two companies.
Nasekomo has consistently achieved ~25 grams of BSF eggs per cubic meter per day across its reproduction enclosures in its industrial operation, positioning the system as deployment-ready for mid- to large-scale customers.
The sustained industrial operating result in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) reproduction is measured on the effective volume of reproduction enclosures under routine production. The performance figure is expressed per effective reproduction-enclosure volume to provide a clear and comparable indicator of system efficiency without disclosing company intellectual property. The daily result is derived from routine production days and reflects the company’s standard operating environment.
At the heart of this milestone stands the company’s Multiplication center “MultiFly” – the genetics and breeding nucleus that multiplies elite insect lines and ensures a reliable supply of high-performance neonates. “This is a daily operating level reflecting a mature, production-grade setup operating at scale.” said Marc Bolard, co-founder and CEO of Nasekomo and a member of Management Board of the reputable international organization of insect producers IPIFF. The company also operates its suspension technology to further improve its product delivery internally but also to send the genetic resources to its network of clients around the world.
The reported outcome stems from three factors: long-running biology and protocol development, genetic gains achieved through its selection programme FlyGenetics, and industrial process design and environmental control at room level. The company reports that such productivity on daily basis was possible to obtain through:
- Mastering environmental management and control through the complete life cycle of insects;
- Introducing into reproduction loop animals with only highest reproductive potential;
- Creating an enclosure that allows to utilize full biological potential in industrial operations;
- Applying Standardized Operational Procedures and proper monitoring of all steps involved all along the process.
“Reproduction is the heart of insect farming. Achieving this level of consistency and yield unlocks predictable egg supply for partners scaling bioconversion,” said Marc Bolard. “This is a benchmark that shows what’s possible when cutting-edge technologies meet deep biological know-how, supported by a relentless focus on science and industrialisation.”
“Our three pillars—biology expertise, genetic gains through our Fly Genetics program, and industrial process mastery – from mating stimulation protocols to love-cage design optimization, backed by our R&D team, have led us to this industrial result,” added Bartosz Grodzki, manager of the Reproduction unit in Nasekomo’s Center of Excellence.
This is the second major milestone for Nasekomo this year. Earlier, the company announced its preliminary benchmark reached by its industrial production platform, “Automated Insect Rearing Beds and Bots.” The vertical rearing platform reached a 25% feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the achievement appeared to be one third higher than that of traditional crate-based solutions.
Commercialization
Nasekomo has begun selling its Black Soldier Fly (BSF) reproduction technology to mid- and large-scale operators, offering a turnkey solution that combines genetics, breeding, suspension and industrial applications for companies who wish to grow their own reproduction capacity. The company also provides secured egg-supply volumes directly—from pilot to industrial scale as an additional option. “Nasekomo technologies and solutions deliver consistency, quality, and scalability. This enables the rapid roll-out of profitable bioconversion plants,” said Marc Bolard.
The development of Nasekomo’s Multiplication center was supported by a €2.5 million grant under the EU’s Seal of Excellence and Bulgaria’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, validating both the technological maturity and societal impact of Nasekomo’s approach. With this strong foundation, the company is already in negotiations with several prospective customers and advancing discussions with prospects across Europe and the Americas.
About the company
Nasekomo is a biotech company pioneering insect bioconversion with proprietary technologies developed in-house in aim to be scaled through a franchise model. Nasekomo delivers unique and efficient solutions thanks to the combination of advanced biology with AI-driven insights and precise data collection. Proven through the quality production of protein meal, insect oil, whole dried larvae, and frass, Nasekomo’s technology harnesses the Black Soldier Fly to enable sustainable farming and address global challenges with consistency and impact.
Насекомо ЕАД обявява публична покана с предмет “Изработка, доставка и въвеждане в експлоатация на прототипна инсталация за тор от насекоми (фрас) в пред-индустриален мащаб”, във връзка с изпълнението на дейности по проект “Demonstrable and replicable cluster implementing systemic solutions through multilevel circular value chains for eco-efficient valorization of fishing and fish industries side-streams”, договор номер 101036428/08.09.2021, с финансовата подкрепа на Европейската комисия по програма Хоризонт 2020, направление “SOCIETAL CHALLENGES – Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials”. / Nasekomo EAD announces a public call with the subject: “Production, delivery and commissioning of a prototype installation for insect fertilizer (frass) on a pre-industrial scale”, in connection with the implementation of activities under the project “Demonstrable and replicable cluster implementing systemic solutions through multilevel circular value chains for eco-efficient valorization of fishing and fish industries side-streams”, contract number 101036428/08.09.2021, with the financial support of the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 program, direction “SOCIETAL CHALLENGES – Climate action, Environment, Resource Efficiency and Raw Materials”.
Срок за входиране на оферти: 23:59ч. на 8 август 2025г. (7 дни от публичното обявление.)
/ Deadline for submission: 11:59 p.m. on August 8, 2025 (7 days from public announcement.)
Приложения / Attachments
Прил.1 Техническа спецификация
Прил.3 Образец на декларация на кандидата
Прил.6 Декларация подизпълнител
„Насекомо“ ЕАД подписа административен договор за предоставяне на безвъзмездна финансова помощ по Стратегическия план за развитието на земеделието и селските райони на Република България за периода 2023–2027 г., процедура „Сформиране на оперативни групи (първа стъпка)“ по интервенция „Подкрепа за оперативни групи в рамките на Европейското партньорство за иновации“.
Проектът с наименование „Въвеждане на иновативен екологичен тор от насекоми за нуждите на устойчивото земеделие“ е одобрен за финансиране и се реализира в рамките на Европейското партньорство за иновации за селскостопанска производителност и устойчивост (ЕПИ-АГРИ). Договорът бе сключен на 21 юли 2025 г. между Държавен фонд „Земеделие“ – Разплащателна агенция, в качеството му на управляващ и разплащателен орган, и „Насекомо“ ЕАД като бенефициент.
Максималният размер на безвъзмездната финансова помощ по договора е 14 603,84 лв. Средствата се предоставят за изпълнение на първия етап от проекта, който включва подготовка, координация и сформиране на оперативна група, необходима за последващото развитие и прилагане на иновацията в земеделската практика.
Процедурата „Сформиране на оперативни групи (първа стъпка)“ има за цел да подпомогне създаването на устойчиви партньорства между бизнеса, науката и земеделските производители, като постави основите за разработване и внедряване на иновативни решения в селското стопанство. Финансирането покрива дейности, свързани с организацията на сътрудничеството, планирането на научно-приложни изследвания и подготовката за следващ етап на реализация.
Проектът „Въвеждане на иновативен екологичен тор от насекоми за нуждите на устойчивото земеделие“ е насочен към разработването и научното обосноваване на биотор, базиран на фрас – естествен продукт от индустриалното отглеждане на ларви на Черна муха войник (Hermetia illucens). В дългосрочен план инициативата цели да допринесе за въвеждането на устойчиви и кръгови решения в земеделието. С подписването на договора „Насекомо“ ЕАД официално поставя началото на проекта и на процеса по изграждане на оперативна група, която ще бъде основа за последващо научно развитие, пилотно тестване и бъдещо внедряване на иновацията в земеделската практика.
Nasekomo EAD has signed an administrative contract for the provision of grant funding under the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas of the Republic of Bulgaria for the period 2023–2027, procedure “Establishment of Operational Groups (First Step)” under intervention “Support for Operational Groups within the European Innovation Partnership.”
The project entitled “ Introducing an innovative ecological insect fertilizer for the needs of sustainable agriculture” has been approved for funding and is being implemented within the framework of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI). The contract was signed on 21 July 2025 between the State Fund Agriculture – Paying Agency, in its capacity as managing and paying authority, and Nasekomo EAD as the beneficiary.
The maximum amount of the approved grant funding under the contract is BGN 14,603.84. The funds are allocated for the implementation of the first stage of the project, which includes preparation, coordination, and the establishment of an operational group required for the subsequent development and application of the innovation in agricultural practice.
The procedure “Establishment of Operational Groups (First Step)” aims to support the creation of sustainable partnerships between business, science, and agricultural producers, laying the foundations for the development and implementation of innovative solutions in agriculture. The funding covers activities related to organizing cooperation, planning applied research activities, and preparing for the next stage of project implementation.
The project “Introducing an Innovative Ecological Insect-Based Fertilizer for the Needs of Sustainable Agriculture” focuses on the development and scientific validation of a biofertilizer based on insect frass—a natural product derived from the industrial rearing of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). In the long term, the initiative aims to contribute to the introduction of sustainable and circular solutions in agriculture.
With the signing of the contract, Nasekomo EAD officially launches the project and the process of establishing an operational group, which will serve as the foundation for further scientific development, pilot testing, and the future deployment of the innovation in agricultural practice.