Key Takeaways
- Nasekomo achieved a 25% feed conversion ratio (FCR) in real industrial conditions at its facility in Sofia, Bulgaria.
- The performance level is approximately 33% higher than traditional crate-based insect farming systems.
- The result was reached using the company’s fully automated, zero-crate rearing platform for Black Soldier Fly larvae.
- The system integrates robotics, AI, and environmental controls designed for scalability and operational efficiency.
- Each modular unit has a potential processing capacity of 16,000 tons of feed and up to 4,000 tons of larvae annually at current FCR rates.
Nasekomo Reports Feed Conversion Milestone for Insect Farming
Automation and System Integration Support Platform Development
Nasekomo, a biotechnology company focused on insect farming, has announced that its proprietary Automated Insect Rearing Beds and Bots platform has achieved a 25% feed conversion ratio (FCR). The milestone was recorded in industrial-scale conditions at the company’s facility near Sofia, Bulgaria.
According to Nasekomo, this performance is approximately one-third higher than traditional crate-based systems used for rearing Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae. The result follows five years of platform development and system optimization.
“At the current improvement rates, we aim at operating at this efficiency level or more in the short term, from 2026 onwards,” said Marc Bolard, Co-founder and CEO of Nasekomo.
Zero-Crate Rearing Platform Combines Robotics and Real-Time Monitoring
Vertical Design Supports Interventions During Growth
The company’s approach replaces crate-based systems with a deep-substrate vertical farming model that integrates real-time monitoring, robotics, and environmental control. The platform includes a plowing robot equipped with sensors to manage humidity and temperature during larval growth.
“Our system allows us to monitor in real time the entire volume of the rearing substrate with up to 20 cm height,” said Kamen Vasilev, Head of Bioconversion and Processing at Nasekomo. “We collect and act on data throughout the process.”
The robot is designed to support various functions including mixing, refeeding, watering, and cooling, which the company states are intended to improve consistency and efficiency.
Ventilation and Energy Use According to Nasekomo
Heat Exchange System Reduces Utility Needs
According to Nasekomo, the reported FCR was achieved using three times less ventilation capacity compared to conventional systems. This was made possible by a built-in heat exchange system that regulates temperature across the substrate.
The company states that operational synergies between batches and structural features contribute to lower utility requirements and support scalability.
Platform Specifications and Processing Capacity
Modular Design for Industrial Application
Each platform unit developed by Nasekomo measures up to 81 meters in length and includes 12 vertical levels, with the capacity to process approximately 16,000 tons of feed annually. At the reported 25% FCR, this corresponds to a potential output of 4,000 tons of larvae per unit each year.
The system integrates AI-driven monitoring and intervention tools, and is intended to provide a modular, automated, and space-efficient solution for insect rearing.
Development Outlook and Industry Partnerships For Nasekomo
Ongoing Collaboration with Siemens
Nasekomo is continuing the development of its automated platform through its collaboration with Siemens, which supports integration of digital tools and industrial-grade systems.
“The platform is designed to be adaptable and scalable,” said Bolard. “Our partnership with Siemens brings additional capabilities as we move toward broader implementation.”
The company plans to maintain or improve upon current efficiency levels as it scales operations and explores broader commercial applications of its technology.
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