Nasekomo Enhances Neonate Delivery with Advanced Suspension Technology
Sofia, Bulgaria | 29 July 2024 – Nasekomo, the leading biotech innovator dedicated to advancing the insect industry, has announced an upgrade to its neonate delivery service for Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly, BSF) newborn larvae. This enhancement introduces a groundbreaking suspension technology, significantly improving the efficiency and reliability of insect-based protein production.
As the insect bioconversion industry evolves, with companies specializing in different stages of the process, Nasekomo has consistently provided high-quality neonate delivery services, thereby supporting the growth of the insect industry. “The complexity and specialized knowledge required for each stage are driving the industry towards a more specialized and segmented approach” explains the co-founder of Nasekomo Marc Bolard. According to him, outsourcing the breeding stage reduces operational costs and allows producers to focus on rearing and processing.
Taking a step further to address the industry’s evolving needs, Nasekomo has successfully developed a scientifically based solution enabling neonates to be placed in a state of ‘paused development’ without the need for temperature reduction during both storage and transport. The achievement enables high efficiency and security in the supply of neonates to protein producers.
The innovation slows the larvae’s metabolism and growth, ensuring they remain in optimal condition until they reach their destination. The method of Nasekomo eliminates the need for low-temperature storage during transit, reducing logistical complexities and ensuring a consistent, stable supply of larvae for producers. Upon arrival, the neonates can be easily activated by initiating the feeding process, with over a 95% recovery rate.
“The extended suspension of the newborn larvae was a testament to the innovative efforts of Nasekomo’s R&D department” says Bartosz Grodzki, Head of the Nasekomo Multiplication Center, underlining that the company is deeply committed to scientific research. “We’ve always prioritized a deep understanding of the biology of our insects, which is fundamental in creating solutions that meet the needs of the growing insect industry. The more we explore the biological intricacies of Hermetia illucens’ life cycle, the more complexity we uncover, but we also see a wealth of new opportunities”, adds Grodzki.
Nasekomo neonates are distinguished by their genetic enhancements, a result of the company’s collaboration with Groupe Grimaud in the Fly Genetic’s selection program. The joint venture leverages advanced genetic selection techniques to produce larvae with superior growth rates, feed conversion efficiency, and resilience. These traits provide a competitive edge, enabling producers to achieve higher yields and more sustainable operations compared to other market players.
Starting in September, Nasekomo will expand its neonate delivery service, including the new suspension technology, through a specialized online portal where requests for newborn larvae in a state of “paused development” can be ordered. “This service not only enhances the efficiency and reliability of the supply chain for insect protein producers but also showcases the unique genetic advantages of our neonates,” says Xavier Marcenac, Nasekomo’s co-founder. “We are committed to setting an industry standard with innovative solutions that will help the industry expand exponentially to meet the needs of the protein market.”
In the beginning of this year, Nasekomo successfully closed a Series A funding round, securing €8 million in growth capital. The investment, led by Invenio Partners, a private equity fund focused on the Southeast European region, along with several high-net-worth individuals, came a month after the company struck a strategic partnership with Siemens.
