madebymade GmbH is co-financed from funds of the European Union and the Free State of Saxony under the “InnoTeam” program of the Saxon Bank for Reconstruction (SAB). This program supports cooperation between companies and universities or research institutions in the formation of competence teams that develop a new product or technological process, or prepare such a development.

Project information

The InnoTeam is described as “Development of an innovative technology demonstrator for the research of micro-circulation systems for food supply in connection with sustainable feed design on the basis of biogenic residual material of exploiting insects using the example of the shrimp”, abbreviation: “TEMIFUGA”.

Project location

Pegau and Leipzig, Saxony

Goals

The project goal in the planned funding period is to develop small, decentralized, highly automated micro-shrimp farms as technology demonstrator. These micro-shrimp farms are to be developed in form of a prototype shrimp cabinet combined with aquaponics. Thereby sustainable value chains in food production shall be created. By the efficient use of biogenic waste materials, high-quality regional food can be produced. The planned approach of the “Inno-Team” consists of a combination of automation technology, feed design, light and nutrient recipes. The unique combination of three innovative approaches, which are absolutely new in the Saxonian corporate and research culture, corresponds exactly to the Saxonian objective of promoting innovation.

Project coordination

University of Leipzig, represented by Prof. Dr. Utz Dornberger, Working group “Greenhub”. Contact person: Kay Plat

Background

There are major sustainability deficits in many value chains, especially in non-domestic food production. Since the shrimp is one of the most sought-after fishery and aquaculture products in Germany and massive negative environmental impacts occur during breeding, it was chosen as a demonstration object. Alternatives in the feed production of quality products such as shrimp are in demand in order to react sustainably to the problems of climate change with practical action. In addition to shrimp, the project was extended to include trials with crayfish, as they are very innovative and have high market potential. Domestic crayfish are a great option from a regional point of view and the water for keeping them does not have to be heated, so they are more resource-efficient.

Project length

01.03.2020 – 28.02.2022

Further information

Website of the project: Greenhub

Information regarding the SAB funding: InnoTeam

Funding program InnoExpert

By promoting the employment of “InnoExperts”, the SAB supports the recruitment and employment of highly qualified personnel, such as university graduates. The innovative strength and competitiveness, especially of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is to be strengthened in Saxony in this way.

Project information

The InnoExpert project entitled “Transformation of the substrate from a waste product to a high-quality fertilizer” investigates the composition as well as the fertilizer properties of the excrements of the black soldier fly larvae with the aim of developing them into a high-quality fertilizer.

Project location

Pegau, Saxony

Goals

The project intends to develop the substrate from the breeding of the black soldier fly larvae as a new source of added value. To this end, it will first be analyzed for its properties and its dependence on changing production parameters will be investigated. In addition, requirement profiles of fertilizers will be determined depending on the respective fields of application and it will be examined which fertilizer properties can be realized with the in-house substrate. These findings are taken into account in the development of test series for field tests, which are carried out with partners from the regional corporate landscape. Finally, the substrate is further developed together with external partners with the aim of improving the quality of the product.

Project coordination

madebymade GmbH, represented by Yannik Weinreis.

Project background

Product description: The substrate from the breeding of the black soldier fly is a completely new product with promising properties for use as a fertilizer, but has hardly been investigated so far. The fertilizer itself is produced exclusively from organic residues such as fruit and vegetables. These are first mixed together in the production process to form a feed mash, and then converted into the organic fertilizer by the larvae within a few weeks. The fertilizer is then separated from the larvae and sanitized by heat treatment. The unique selling point of the fertilizer is its chitin content, which is scientifically associated with biostimulatory effects, with correspondingly positive effects on plant growth and plant health.

Time period

01.10.2019 – 31.03.2022.