Glocalink Singapore Invests in Singapore-based biotech startup; Insectta, aiming to multiply value within the insect industry through patented biomaterial extraction technology
Glocalink Singapore Pte. Ltd.(Director: Dr. Ravikrishna Ramanujam) is pleased to announce its investment into Insectta Pte Ltd. (Chief Marketing Director: Ms. Chua Kai-Ning)” Insectta “ is a Singaporean company with novel processes to extract high-value chitosan and melanin from the black soldier fly (hereby “BSF”). Insectta’s technology allows the booming BSF industry to reach new heights by expanding its current applications beyond just agriculture, therefore multiplying the value and applications of this growing sustainable and circular industry.
Known for its ability to grow efficiently and quickly on organic matter, the BSF is utilised around the world to valorise agricultural and food waste into animal feed and fertiliser. With the industry saturated with insect protein, oil and fertiliser producers, the Insectta Team saw the opportunity to elevate the industry beyond agricultural applications by developing a patented technique to derive high-value, highly functional chitosan and melanin from the BSF. These biomaterials are slated for industries like pharmaceuticals, personal wellness, organic electronics, F&B, and more, bringing these industries a new and circular source of these materials. Serving as a value multiplying technology provider for the insect industry, Insectta aligns with Singapore’s vision of being a high-tech, high-value player in the sustainability and agri-tech sectors. Chua Kai-Ning (co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer), alongside Phua Junwei (co-founder and Chief Technical Officer) recognised the waste valorisation power of the BSF, and founded the company in 2018, serving as pioneers in the first insect-focused company in Singapore. Their vision is to see acceptance and uptake of insect biomaterials into mainstream applications globally, alongside the progress of the entire insect industry. Alongside their patented extraction technique, the Insectta Team has also achieved another global first – the ability to extract water soluble melanin in unprecedented quantities. Insectta’s innovative stance on adding value to the insect industry aligns with Glocalink SG’s vision to forward agri-technology through strategic investments in early stage startups. It’s novel solution to bring sustainable alternatives to chitosan and melanin users has also enticed many partners within the Leave A Nest ecosystem. Through this investment, Insectta plans to scale up its operations in Singapore through its first-of-a-kind insect biomaterials extraction pilot plant, and work together with Glocalink to penetrate Japan and other Asian markets. Chua says “We’re very excited to continue our journey with Glocalink Singapore. Besides a dedicated and open team to support us, we tap on their insights into the Japanese and Asian markets to help us accelerate our growth and allow the world to reap the amazing advantages our BSF chitosan and melanin has to offer.”
About Insectta Serving as a value multiplying technology provider for the insect industry, Insectta aligns with Singapore’s vision of being a high-tech, high-value player in the sustainability and agri-tech sectors. Chua Kai-Ning (co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer), alongside Phua Junwei (co-founder and Chief Technical Officer) recognised the waste valorisation power of the BSF, and founded the company in 2018, serving as pioneers in the first insect-focused company in Singapore.
About Glocalink Singapore Glocalink Singapore, is a Agri food-tech focussed investment company with a vision to solve the most pressing problems in food security & advance the future of food and agriculture. Glocalink aims to do this by supporting & investing in early stage startups with innovative technologies to not only solve local issues but can be further developed and implemented to solve global challenges. For enquiries: Glocalink Singapore Pte. Ltd. Attn: Ravikrishna Ramanujam
