Microalgae-based Aquaculture Vaccine Tech Wins Nutreco Feed Tech Challenge
MicroSynbiotiX , a startup creating a novel oral delivery process for fish, has won the Nutreco Feed Tech Challenge.
“especially as the trials commitment from Nutreco is a reward which would be too costly for us to buy at this stage in our development, even if such a paid-for offer was available, which of course it isn’t.”
The award is a commitment from the global animal feed business to undertake commercial trials to validate the technology further. MicroSynbiotiX is using genetically modified microalgae as the vaccine delivery vehicle for farmed fish.
The company spent two days this week at Nutreco’s work location in Boxmeer in the Netherlands pitching and explaining their product. KnipBio’s proposal featured the development of a series of microbes that they say will “convert low-cost feedstock into premium, nutritious, single-cell proteins laden with pigment-enhancing carotenoids to produce healthier, more vibrant fish”.
EKO GEA’s submission centered on Biocomplex, a prebiotic biostimulant which is derived from the seaweed, Ascophyllum nodosum . The product’s inventor, Goran Ðor đič, explains the seaweed is capable of enhancing human and animal health, promoting harvest and plant advance, while as well helping to clean the environment.
Beating the odds Making the top 10 was impressive as Nutreco’s innovation specialists screened out 70%-90% of entrants within little more than half a day of serious examination. This is the harsh reality of pitching to a leading firm, especially for startups convinced they’ve created a product, process or service which is capable of solving the world’s future food security. Professor Leo den Hartog, R&D director for Nutreco’s animal nutrition division, Trouw Nutrition, informed the innovators that the path to commercial success for the next ‘sparkling new idea’ is always going to be pretty tough.
Though he also made it clear that his innovation team was constantly watching and listening for a breakthrough idea, adding that Nutreco gives every such idea a genuine chance. So, how do you make it into the top 10%-30% that secure more in-depth consideration or even the 1%-2% that make it into the marketplace?
On the one hand, there is the world of a large corporation like Nutreco, with our global network and trade knowledge. Even so, by nature, we have limited possibilities to develop disruptive innovations on our own. “On the other hand, there is the world of young, creative thinkers that have a completely new look on the challenges of today.
The true value of this prize is the chance to test, demonstrate and experience the technology. It is a means to help overcome and solve different problems.
Johan Verreth, Wageningen University & Research, and Dr. Jason Clay, senior vice president marketplace transformation at WWF.
- Who: Nutreco Feed Tech Challenge · Nutreco · Antonio Lamb
- Percentages: 70% · 90% · 10% · 30%
- Figures: 70% · 90% · 10% · 30%
