Bühler and NRGene Canada open facility to explore insect protein manufacturing

Sampling BSF Larvea; NAIC Trial Rearing Unit

SASKATOON — Bühler, the Swiss technology group, and NRGene Canada, a subsidiary of NRGene Technologies Ltd., a genomics company, announced the launch of the North American Insect Center (NAIC) on Jul. 30. The inauguration event, held at NRGene Canada’s facility in Saskatoon, marks a step towards the production and optimization of insect protein in North America.

The NAIC is designed as a research and demonstration center where customers can evaluate the performance of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) varieties tailored to their specific by-product streams. The facility is also dedicated to supporting investors in evaluating the economic viability of larger plants before committing to full-scale investment. This approach tries to empower businesses to make informed decisions, ensuring optimal efficiency and sustainability in protein production.

The launch event featured a tour of the lab, showcasing the capabilities of the NAIC. Attendees included Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO and Co-Founder of NRGene, Andreas Baumann, Head of Market Segment Insect Technology at Bühler, and Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export Development. “Saskatchewan is continuing to attract innovative companies who are choosing to invest and grow their business in our province,” Harrison noted. “Our reputation as global leaders in agricultural and biotechnology is attracting record capital investment into the province. We’re very proud to see the North American Insect Center join a growing list of cutting-edge institutions here in the province. This facility will create new skilled jobs and further position Saskatchewan as a center for alternative protein production research and a leader in global food security.”

Equipped with Bühler’s advanced Trial Rearing Unit (TRU), the NAIC simulates industrial conditions to optimize the growth of BSF larvae. NRGene’s background in genomics and phenotyping enables the development of BSF strains, driving advancements in the field.

The NAIC is trying to become a hub for industry players, offering customer trials, workshops, training sessions, and seminars to disseminate best practices in insect protein production. “The NAIC is a testament to the power of combining genetic innovation with technological advancement,” said Dr. Gil Ronen, CEO and Co-Founder of NRGene. “The promising results from our trials are just the beginning. This center allows our customers to explore and optimize every aspect of insect protein production, promoting a more efficient and sustainable industry.”

Located in Saskatoon, the NAIC says they are trying to lead the way in transforming waste into protein.