We’ve just hired our first insect expert. His name is Fred, and he’s going to lead our work on how black soldier fly larvae will effectively convert waste to high value products for InsectBiotech.
Fred is an expert in in sustainable food and feed production. He specialises in the innovative use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) to convert waste into valuable resources.
Lucky for us, Fred has more than 16 years of experience in entomology and global consulting, He’s lived in seven countries and successfully scaled BSF operations from pilot projects to full-scale commercial ventures. These showed achieving significant waste reduction and high-quality protein production. Just the kind of colleague we need at IB right now.
Here’s what he’s going to be doing with us, and why he’s joined IB.
I asked him a few questions, below, and here’s what he said:
Why have you joined us?
“I joined InsectBiotech (IB) because I am deeply committed to sustainable agriculture and innovative waste management solutions. IB’s pioneering approach to using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae to transform waste into valuable resources, particularly by increasing the digestibility of low nutritional feedstocks, aligns perfectly with my mission and ambition of contributing to revolutionising food and feed production systems.”
Why sign up with a start up at our stage now?
“The opportunity to contribute to IB’s ambitious goals in promoting circular and regenerative agriculture, especially utilising underutilised agricultural residues, and to be part of a company with a robust sustainability strategy and passionate, knowledgeable and inspiring founders, was a compelling reason for me to join”
What’s your experience in this space?
“I have more than 16 years of experience in entomology and consulting globally and across seven countries. I have specialised in biotechnology to support the mass production of insects, including the innovative application of BSF for converting waste into high-quality protein and fertiliser.
My career highlights include leading an Australian startup to become the country’s largest BSF facility and contributing to global initiatives like the World Mosquito Program. Additionally, I have advised industry giants such as Unilever and PepsiCo on responsible sourcing and sustainable practices, bringing this knowledge and expertise to IB”
So, what exactly are you going to be doing at InsectBiotech?
“As Head of Entomology at IB, I will lead the developments of our unique and innovative use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology. My responsibilities include overseeing development projects in collaboration with our industry and university partners, ensuring optimal substrate performance for high conversion ratios, and driving research efforts to stay at the forefront of insect protein advancements.
In short, the main goal for the coming months is to perfect our “special sauce” and unique production processes that transforms low-nutrient residues with little commercial value into optimal feedstock for Black Soldier Fly larvae.”
“I will also lead trials and explore commercial opportunities for BSF by-products such as frass fertiliser and provide technical support for equipment procurement and facility planning. By actively participating in sector debates and reporting on our progress, I help position IB as a leader in the field. My role is essential in fostering innovation and achieving our sustainability goals.”
How do you think working with us is going to help your goals?
“With IB, I aim to push the boundaries of what is possible with BSF technology. My goal is to significantly enhance our waste processing capabilities and establish IB as a global leader in sustainable food and feed production. I hope to drive innovations that set new industry standards for sustainability and efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable future through our cutting-edge technology and practices.”
Where do you see us going in five years – how can we have the impact we want?
“In five years, I envision IB as a world leader in the bioconversion industry, recognised for our innovative and sustainable practices. To achieve this, we must continue to innovate and scale our operations while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Building strong partnerships and effectively communicating our mission and successes will be crucial.
By educating the sector and industry stakeholders about the benefits and processes of BSF bioconversion, we can drive wider adoption and create a significant positive impact on global waste management and food production systems.”
BSF larvae’s potential to bio convert waste is extraordinary. But for many people it’s hard to understand how the process works. What can we at IB and the industry do, to better tell the story, clearly?
“To effectively convey the story of BSF bioconversion, we must prioritise clear, engaging, and accessible communication. This involves creating visual content that demonstrates the lifecycle and waste conversion process of BSF larvae, sharing success stories and case studies that showcase tangible benefits, and engaging the agricultural community through joint development and transparent communication.
Simplifying the science behind BSF technology and highlighting its environmental and economic advantages will help demystify the process and foster broader acceptance. By partnering with industry leaders and early adopters focused on sustainable farming and production systems, we can develop compelling business cases with undeniable ROI, driving wider adoption of our products and waste processing services.
Additionally, leveraging social media, interactive platforms, sector organisations, and partnerships with educational institutions will amplify our message and highlight the revolutionary potential of BSF larvae.”
We’re looking forward to working with Fred in the coming years. If you’d like to work with us, check out our LinkedIn page and follow our work. More openings will be posted soon.
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