South Africa - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Empowering communities through decentralized black soldier fly farming: We process food waste and grow insect protein and fertiliser in our container-based solution for sustainable agriculture.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Philafeed collaborates closely with a diverse network of partners to address food waste challenges and optimize the nutritional value of black soldier fly larvae. By partnering with food processors and waste management companies, we source diverse food waste streams to feed our larvae, transforming organic byproducts into valuable protein-rich biomass. Our team of experts formulates specialized diets tailored to the nutritional needs of the larvae, ensuring optimal growth and high-quality output. This integrated approach not only mitigates waste but also produces premium-grade larvae suitable for various applications, from animal feed to sustainable protein production. Through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, we create synergies that drive environmental sustainability and economic prosperity in the agricultural sector.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

The main problem we aim to address is the inefficiency and wastefulness inherent in the linear food system, exacerbated by the environmental impact of conventional protein sources like soy and fishmeal. These industries contribute to deforestation, habitat loss, and overfishing, further exacerbating environmental degradation. By reimagining food waste as a valuable resource and implementing circular economy principles, we seek to circulate nutrients back into the agricultural system, mitigating the reliance on environmentally damaging inputs. Additionally, by producing high-quality frass as a byproduct, we provide a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, enriching soil health and promoting biodiversity. Our goal is to create a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient food system that benefits both producers and the planet.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Sustainable Agriculture: Our product enables farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices by utilizing organic waste as feed for black soldier fly larvae, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and minimizing environmental impact while producing high-nutrition value larvae. Economic Viability: By diversifying revenue streams and reducing input costs, farmers can improve profitability and economic resilience, creating job opportunities and fostering local economic development. Waste Reduction: Our solution mitigates food waste by converting organic byproducts into valuable resources, promoting circular economy principles and contributing to a more efficient and sustainable food system.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Farmers: Our training programs and container-based solutions are designed to empower farmers by providing them with the tools and knowledge to diversify their revenue streams, enhance soil health, and reduce waste. By incorporating black soldier fly farming into their operations, farmers can generate additional income, improve crop yields, contribute to environmental sustainability, and create job opportunities within their communities. Food Processing and Retailer Farms: We also target food processing and retailer farms that generate significant amounts of organic waste. By partnering with these entities, we aim to divert food waste from landfills and transform it into valuable resources through black soldier fly larvae production. This not only helps reduce waste disposal costs but also provides a sustainable solution for managing organic waste while creating employment opportunities in waste management and insect farming sectors.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-08-28

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Max Breitensteiner, with GenBioSol, serves as our technical partner and industry expert, contributing invaluable knowledge and expertise to our project. He has been in the industry since 2008 and is well-renowned in the industry for his expertises. His partnership enhances our capabilities in black soldier fly farming and ensures that our endeavors align with industry best practices. Jason Fine: Founder and Head of Operations Jason Fine, Philafeed founder and head of operations. At our previous facility in Knysna Jason oversaw the black soldier fly processing, waste logistics, sales and partnerships. His hands-on approach and strong work ethic make him a vital part of our dynamic team. Jason's dedication to

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.philafeed.co.za, https://instagram.com/philafeedza, https://www.linkedin.com/company/philafeed

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

l) Farming

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes significantly to the goal of "No Poverty" by providing sustainable income opportunities for farmers and marginalized communities. By empowering farmers to diversify revenue streams through black soldier fly farming, we help alleviate poverty and reduce economic vulnerability, fostering economic resilience and improving livelihoods. Additionally, our focus on job creation and capacity building further enhances socioeconomic inclusion, ensuring that individuals have the means to lift themselves out of poverty and build a better future for themselves and their families.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Zero Hunger" by promoting sustainable agriculture, circular economy and enhancing food security. Our black soldier fly farming solution helps farmers improve crop yields through the use of nutrient-rich frass as a natural fertilizer. This not only boosts agricultural productivity but also supports soil health. By converting organic waste into high-quality protein for animal feed, we reduce the dependency on traditional, less sustainable feed sources like soy and fishmeal. This sustainable feed increases the food supply by making animal farming more efficient and environmentally friendly, emphasizing the importance of what animals eat. Our efforts help ensure that more people have access to nutritious food, addressing hunger and malnutrition in vulnerable communities. Above this we utilising what would have been food waste, and increasing the food supply.

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Good Health and Well-Being" by fostering sustainable agricultural practices that improve the quality of food and the environment. The use of nutrient-rich frass as a natural fertilizer promotes healthier soil and crops, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can have adverse health effects. Additionally, by managing organic waste and reducing environmental pollution, we help create cleaner, healthier communities. Did you know that 1/3 of all food gets wasted? Our innovative waste conversion processes prevent methane emissions from decomposing organic matter in landfills, contributing to improved air quality and mitigating climate-related health issues. Through these efforts, we contribute to better health outcomes and overall well-being for both individuals and communities.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Quality Education" by focusing on training individuals to operate and manage black soldier fly farming setups. We provide practical, hands-on training to equip individuals with the skills needed for sustainable insect farming and waste management. Additionally, we are actively engaging with other organizations, including the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), to develop and formalize our training programs. This collaboration aims to create accredited educational pathways that enhance the skills and employability of participants, ensuring they have access to quality education and meaningful employment opportunities. Through these efforts, we contribute to lifelong learning and skill development in the green econom

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Gender Equality" by being open and inclusive to both genders in all aspects of our operations. While our work does involve heavy lifting and manual labor, we strive to create a supportive environment that encourages the participation of women and men alike. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for training, employment, and advancement within our company. By promoting gender diversity and inclusion, we aim to break down barriers and ensure that both women and men can benefit from the economic opportunities provided by sustainable agriculture and black soldier fly farming.

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Decent Work and Economic Growth" by creating job opportunities and fostering economic resilience in communities. Through our black soldier fly farming operations, we provide employment opportunities for individuals, including farmers, waste management workers, and skilled laborers. Additionally, our focus on training and capacity building empowers individuals with valuable skills, enhancing their employability and contributing to economic growth. By diversifying revenue streams for farmers and supporting local businesses in the agricultural sector, we stimulate economic activity and promote sustainable development. Through these efforts, we help create a more inclusive and prosperous society, where individuals have access to decent work and opportunities for economic advancement.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

5

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Industry Innovation and Infrastructure" by introducing innovative solutions to the agricultural sector. Our black soldier fly farming operations represent a novel approach to waste management and protein production, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. By utilizing container-based systems and renewable energy sources like solar power, we demonstrate innovative infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact and maximizes resource efficiency. Additionally, our collaboration with research institutions and industry partners facilitates ongoing innovation and knowledge sharing, driving continuous improvement in sustainable agriculture practices. Through these efforts, we contribute to the development of resilient infrastructure and promote technological innovation in the agricultural industry, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Reduced Inequalities" by creating opportunities for marginalized communities and promoting inclusivity in the agricultural sector. Our black soldier fly farming operations offer employment opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including farmers, waste management workers, and skilled laborers. By providing training and capacity building programs, we empower individuals with valuable skills, enhancing their employability and economic prospects. Additionally, our focus on sustainable agriculture and circular economy principles helps address disparities in access to resources and promotes environmental justice. Through these efforts, we strive to reduce inequalities by fostering economic inclusion and promoting social equity within communities.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Sustainable Cities and Communities" by promoting sustainable waste management practices and supporting urban agriculture initiatives. Our black soldier fly farming operations provide a scalable solution for managing organic waste generated in urban areas, reducing the burden on landfills and mitigating environmental pollution. By converting organic waste into valuable resources like nutrient-rich frass and high-quality protein for animal feed, we contribute to a circular economy model that promotes resource efficiency and reduces reliance on external inputs. Furthermore, our container-based farming systems can be implemented in urban settings, enabling local food production and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. This promotes food security and resilience within urban communities while creating opportunities for green jobs and economic development.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Responsible Consumption and Production" by leveraging black soldier fly farming, which exemplifies sustainable practices in food production. We lead by example, demonstrating how organic waste can be efficiently and sustainably converted into valuable resources. By producing black soldier fly larvae in a closed-loop system, we minimize environmental impact, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate pressure on landfills.Furthermore, by supporting farmers with our innovative solutions, we promote sustainable agriculture and contribute to the economic viability of local communities. Our efforts not only address immediate waste management challenges but also foster a broader shift towards more sustainable consumption and production patterns.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Climate Action" by mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable land use practices through black soldier fly farming. Our innovative approach to waste management reduces methane emissions from organic waste decomposition in landfills, which are potent contributors to climate change. By diverting organic waste from traditional disposal methods like incineration, we minimize carbon dioxide emissions and alleviate pressure on finite natural resources. Additionally, our container-based farming systems offer a scalable solution for local food production, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. By producing high-quality protein for animal feed with a lower environmental footprint compared to conventional sources lik

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

Philafeed contributes to the goal of "Life Below Water" by providing a sustainable alternative to fishmeal through black soldier fly farming. The production of fishmeal, traditionally derived from wild-caught fish, has led to overfishing and depletion of marine resources, threatening the balance of aquatic ecosystems and the biodiversity of life below water. In contrast, our black soldier fly larvae offer a sustainable and eco-friendly source of protein for animal feed, including fish feed. By replacing fishmeal with black soldier fly larvae, we alleviate the pressure on marine ecosystems and reduce the need for wild fish stocks to be harvested for feed production. This shift away from fishmeal contributes to the conservation of marine biodiversity and helps protect fragile marine habitats. Furthermore, our container-based farming systems allow for the efficient production of black soldier fly larvae without relying on vast tracts of land or freshwater resources.

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

Philafeed promotes "Life on Land" by providing sustainable alternatives to conventional soybean cultivation for animal feed. Our black soldier fly farming operations mitigate the environmental impact of soybean production, reducing deforestation and habitat destruction. Additionally, our nutrient-rich frass acts as organic fertilizer, enhancing soil health and promoting plant growth. By diverting organic waste from landfills, we minimize greenhouse gas emissions and soil contamination. Feeding animals with insects improves animal welfare and reduces the environmental footprint of livestock production. These efforts contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and soil resilience.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

At Philafeed we are focuses on creating a society where individuals are respected and have the freedom of expression and access to information. We want to see our employees grow stronger as we know that is the strength of our business.

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Philafeed collaborates across the food chain to achieve sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and social development goals. Partnerships with various stakeholders amplify our impact and reach, addressing challenges like food insecurity and waste management. Academic collaborations drive innovation, ensuring cutting-edge practices. Private partnerships expand market access for sustainable products. Through these efforts, we aim to close loops and create a more sustainable food system.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

4

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

3

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.08 Justification for my startup

he black soldier fly market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable protein sources. While the concept of using insects for protein is not entirely new, our container solution introduces a novel approach to black soldier fly farming in the South African market. This innovation represents an improvement over existing methods, as we have observed challenges faced by other companies and developed a model that addresses these issues effectively. Our solution not only meets the demand for affordable protein but also offers a sustainable and scalable alternative to traditional farming practices. Through continuous refinement and adaptation, we aim to further enhance our container solution to meet the evolving needs of the market and contribute to a more sustainable food system.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Philafeed's main potential competitors include both local and international black soldier fly container providers. Locally, there is one other provider of containers, yet to pilot their solution. Additionally, there are five notable container companies, with Manna Insect leading with 20 containers. What sets Philafeed apart is our strong focus on local collaboration and customization. Unlike other competitors who primarily sell containers to farmers, we prioritize working directly with farmers to reduce costs and diversify revenue streams. Our approach is rooted in partnership and co-creation, ensuring that our solutions are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of each farm. By emphasizing local engagement and support, we aim to build long-term relationships that drive mutual success and contribute to the sustainable development of local agriculture.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

I ran the Circular Way workshop. This was a workshop for women, to expose them to circularity and their network. I write SHEEWA's newsletter engaging people about topics on female entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, and gender equality.