Loopworm bengaluru

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Business Category : Loopworm Karnataka India

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Profile / Products /Services :

June 26th, 2024: Introduction of the Company Loopworm develops products and solutions from industrially farmed insects for the well-being and nutrition of animals, plants, and humans. By utilizing insects, often overlooked and considered pests, Loopworm harnesses their potential as a sustainable bioresource. Insects offer a scalable, sustainable solution that requires significantly less land and water compared to traditional protein sources like soy and fish. Core Value and Ideology Loopworm's core values revolve around sustainability, innovation, and efficiency. The company believes in maximizing the potential of insects to create high-quality, sustainable products. Their ideology is rooted in the belief that insects are an underutilized yet versatile resource capable of providing high protein, lipids, and other bioactive materials. Since the insect farming industry has huge potential to grow, Loopworm is preparing to support the industry with a market for insect processing. It also aims to reduce environmental stress by offering alternative proteins that alleviate the pressure on marine fish populations, arable land, and potable water resources. Problem They Are Solving The global feed industry faces significant challenges due to the unavailability of a sustainable, nutrient-dense protein source. Within this industry, aquaculture faces the pressure of overreliance on traditional protein sources, whereas the pet feed industry struggles with food sources that improve the pets’ health and reduce disease incidence. In the case of poultry, the key challenge is a feed that increases productivity. The industry is struggling to find solutions to these challenges and, as a result, environmental degradation, overfishing, deforestation, and excessive use of water resources are increasing at an exponential rate. Thus, creating an urgent need for sustainable alternatives. Solution Loopworm’s solution for the need for an alternative, sustainable protein lies in insects. They are natural sources of proteins and fats along with micro and macronutrients. By using insects, we can solve issues of over-reliability on traditional protein sources like fish, soy, and meat while not only retaining but enhancing the nutritional value. Geographically, Loopworm is harnessing the availability of abundant insect farms in India. Silkworms, black soldier flies, and honeybees are some of the commonly reared insects in India. Their solution is to decouple the farming and processing of the insect species. By partnering with insect farmers, they support the farming industry and can produce sustainable protein to support food systems. Currently, Loopworm has partnered with silkworm farmers in India and utilizes silkworm pupae to create a nutritional feed concentrate for all animals. By processing these insects at a large scale, Loopworm produces high-quality, sustainable animal feed ingredients. Silkworms are chosen for their high nutritional value, efficient protein production, and the ability to be reared on agricultural by-products, making them an ideal sustainable feed source. To give an example, when silkworm pupae oil is added to poultry feed, chicken meat gets 16 times more omega fatty acids which are the “good fats” necessary for healthy growth and taste. Moreover, Loopworm's processing technology ensures that insects are converted into valuable products efficiently. Their approach helps address the scalability and availability issues faced by the insect protein industry. By partnering with silkworm farmers, Loopworm supports local agriculture while promoting sustainable practices. Sustainability Loopworm’s commitment to sustainability is a driving force behind their operations. Insect protein production requires 170 times less land and 200 times less water compared to soy protein production. By utilizing insects, Loopworm provides a scalable, sustainable solution to alleviate stress on wild marine fish populations, arable land, and potable water resources. The company’s products not only offer high nutritional value but also contribute to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental health. Loopworm aligns its mission with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 15 (Life on Land), striving to create a positive impact on the planet. Founders and Current Status Loopworm was co-founded in 2019 by IIT graduates Abhi Gawri and Ankit Alok Bagaria. The founders identified the immense potential of insects as a sustainable protein source and set out to revolutionize the industry. In September 2022, Loopworm successfully secured an investment of INR 25.8 Crores (USD 3.4 Million) from prominent investors, including Omnivore, Waterbridge, Titan Capital, Climate9ers, and notable angel investors like Mr. Nadir Godrej and Mr. Sanjiv Rangrass. Within a short span of 2 years, the co-founders were featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 (2024) Asia and India for their contributions to sustainable food systems. Loopworm founders have successfully secured grants from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, the Government of Karnataka, and the Department of Biotechnology (BIRAC-BIG Grant), among others. The start-up was awarded the Best Social Enterprise of the Year Award by Action for India in 2020 and was named the winner of the TiE Sustainability Summit - Social Enterprise Awards 2021. Loopworm operates LoopLab, a research and innovation lab incubated at C-CAMP, Bangalore. The lab employs a team of 20 researchers and scientists with expertise in entomology, biotechnology, and chemical engineering. This team focuses on creating valuable products from reared and farmed insects. To support large-scale demand, Loopworm has also established LoopFactory. Staffed by a dedicated team, it ensures a consistent supply of high-quality feed ingredients to meet market needs. They also plan to establish insect processing facilities in different parts of the world. Market and Products Loopworm caters to the US$ 200 Billion animal feed protein and fats market. Their insect-based products offer a sustainable alternative to traditional feed ingredients. Loopworm's product line includes: • LoopMeal Pro: A defatted insect protein meal derived from fresh-leaf-fed silkworms. Available in 60% and 65% protein concentrations, it is processed using a proprietary solvent-free extraction technology. LoopMeal Pro is rich in bio-active peptides promoting anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. • LoopMeal Omega: An insect protein and lipid concentrate derived from fresh-leaf-fed silkworms, available in 50% and 55% protein concentrations. Its insect-like smell enhances palatability, and its lower ash content leads to higher digestibility among livestock and pets. • LoopOil: A powerful energy source extracted from silkworms fed on mulberry leaves. Available in two grades for commercial use, it contains omega fatty acids that promote growth in animals. LoopOil enhances palatability when mixed into pet food or animal feed, providing a high-quality energy source. • LoopGrub: Whole dried silkworm pupae, derived from slowly drying worms to maintain taste and quality. Rich in high-quality proteins and unique fatty acids, LoopGrub offers multiple health benefits to animals and pets. It is an optimal food source for ornamental fish, birds, and wild birds due to its natural diet similarity. In dogs, it provides anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties, promoting healthy body weight. Sales Currently, Loopworm is selling its insect meal and oil to leading shrimp and fish feed manufacturers in India, receiving repeat orders and positive feedback. The company has also tied up with a few pet food startups for its insect full-fat meal. Trials Loopworm is conducting trials on poultry broiler birds with a private research farm in Hyderabad run by Dr. S. V. Rama Rao, Principal Scientist of ICAR Hyderabad. These trials will be completed by June. Additionally, they have signed an MOU with ICAR - Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture for trials on shrimp, which will start in the first week of July, and another trial with Dr. Loc Tran, Shrimp Vet, Vietnam, which will be completed by October 2024. The company has also started trials for a pipeline product, a bio-stimulant, and collaborated with ICAR - IIPR for pulses: 1. Mungbean and Urdbean (June 24 - Sep 24) 2. Chickpea (Oct 24 - April 25) They are also collaborating with ICAR - NRCG for grapes (Thompson seedless): 1. Oct 24 - Oct 25 For pets, Loopworm has conducted trials with pet shelter homes in Bangalore, including Sudha Pet Shelter, Bidadi, with around 600 cats and 200 dogs; Heaven’s Pet Shelter with 400 dogs; a pet parent, Mohana, with 2 dogs; and a veterinarian, Dr. Shivendra, in Jaipur. These trials have shown positive responses, with remarks of increased energy levels, improved health and appetite, and shining fur. Products in Pipeline • Protein Hydrolysate for Animal Feed Industry: An advanced protein supplement designed to improve feed efficiency and animal growth rates. • Bio Stimulant for Crops: A natural plant growth enhancer derived from insect biomass, promoting better yield and resilience in crops. • Recombinant Protein: A high-value protein product developed using biotechnological methods for specialized applications in feed and pharmaceuticals. Current Activities and Collaborations Loopworm is actively engaging with feed manufacturers in the aquaculture and pet food industry while also building trust and credibility in the exotic pet markets of ornamental birds, fish, and reptiles. Loopworm is committed to developing better technology to deliver high-quality alternatives at competitive prices, ensuring sustainable and accessible protein for food, feed, and healthcare. Future Vision Loopworm plans to expand its portfolio of insects and products, aiming to serve various industries, including plant nutrition, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and biopharmaceuticals. Their long-term vision is to become the world's leading insect biotechnology company, driving sustainable innovation in nutrition, health, and well-being for animals, humans, and plants. By focusing on sustainable feed solutions, Loopworm addresses critical environmental issues while providing high-quality, affordable alternatives to traditional protein sources. Their commitment to innovation and sustainability positions them as a key player in the alternative protein market, paving the way for a more sustainable future. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------