September 12, 2023
Bühler and NRGene Technologies Ltd., an Israeli genomics company, announced a strategic collaboration on September 12 in the field of black soldier fly (BSF) genetics and processing.
The two companies are combining their expertise to provide solutions and services to this rapidly evolving industry.
The partnership offers BSF producers a comprehensive solution that incorporates Bühler's high-end equipment and engineering capabilities and NRGene's novel genetics and AI-based genomics tools. Production equipment and tailor made high-performance BSF strains are integrated into a customised solution that ensures cost-effective industrial scale production from the start.
"The insect industry is still optimising its production costs. Advances in insect genetics are key for achieving this," said Andreas Baumann, head of market segment insect technology at Bühler. "The benefit of genetics is already demonstrated in traditional agriculture. Combining the tailored insect strains with our advanced industrial technology will bring a step change in the production of insects.
"The overall solution will result in a high yield of superior products while ensuring an efficient use of raw materials, land, water and energy. This makes the investment in insect production more attractive as it gives owners a crucial competitive advantage in the marketplace."
"There is a growing demand for meat to feed carnivorous pets and farm animals," said Dr. Gil Ronen, NRGene's chief executive officer and founder. "It is our belief that to realise BSF's huge potential as an alternative sustainable protein source used for feed, it is essential to integrate the expertise of various disciplines into this new industry, from genetics to engineering. We are excited to partner with Bühler as we move towards a cost-efficient industry scaleup."
NRGene is well known for its advanced AI genomics technology that has been successfully implemented in more than 300 projects for leading ag-tech and food-tech companies across the globe.
Aware of the potential of the growing BSF industry and its need for advanced genomic solutions, the company decided to develop a novel BSF genetics, through its Canadian wholly owned subsidiary. Its key goal is to provide its customers with elite BSF varieties, tailored to their specific cultivation conditions and feed.
NRGene will establish a North American Insect Center at its Canadian subsidiary in Saskatchewan. Bühler will equip the Insect Center with insect growth chambers with controlled environments and sensors that can simulate industrial conditions and provide process insights. The center will serve as a testing and demonstration facility for both companies' customers, enabling them to evaluate the performance of chosen BSF variety, operational parameters and practices in order to ensure efficient industrial scale insect production.
- Bühler
