EU projects

Since October 4, 2023, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project: Volatile aromatic compounds and light spectrum as factors enhancing H. illucens reproduction along with verification of the developed technology under production conditions. The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development under the European Funds for a Modern Economy program, SMART Path action, call FENG.01.01-IP.02-002/23.

Project objective:

• – R&D Module – industrial research and development work is planned to identify volatile compounds and pheromones, as well as the preferred light spectrum, as factors enhancing the reproduction of the Hermetia illucens fly, and to develop and verify the obtained technology under production conditions. The implementation of R&D activities and their results will lead to the development of a process innovation consisting of introducing innovative breeding methods using synthetic volatile compounds that stimulate females to lay eggs and pheromones that maximize the reproductive behavior intensity of the Hermetia illucens fly.- R&D Module – industrial research and development work is planned to identify volatile compounds and pheromones, as well as the preferred light spectrum, as factors enhancing the reproduction of the Hermetia illucens fly, and to develop and verify the obtained technology under production conditions. The implementation of R&D activities and their results will lead to the development of a process innovation consisting of introducing innovative breeding methods using synthetic volatile compounds that stimulate females to lay eggs and pheromones that maximize the reproductive behavior intensity of the Hermetia illucens fly.
• Internationalization Module – the goal of this module is to internationalize the Company’s new products through participation in industry trade fairs across Europe and to obtain industrial property protection for new products and technological solutions.

The applicant plans to implement the project over 39 months, from October 4, 2023, to December 31, 2026.

Project value: PLN 11,520,672.50

EU funding contribution: PLN 7,360,695.63

More information about the program: www.feng.parp.gov.pl

Since July 9, 2024, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing a grant-supported project under the EENergy – Enterprise Europe Network Energy grants for European SMEs within the SMP-COSME-2023-EENEE funding program.

The grant provides non-refundable funding of €10,000 for activities aimed at reducing energy consumption within the supported enterprise. HiProMine will use the funds to modernize the central heating system of its office building, including the replacement of the boiler with an energy-efficient one, as well as the replacement of the installation and installation of modern thermostats in offices. This action will enable significant energy savings for office heating during the winter period.

More information about the project is available at www.eenergy-project.eu

Since August 1, 2019, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project InsectTech – innovative technology for industrial insect farming and breeding for feed purposes. The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development under Measure 2.3 “Pro-innovative services for enterprises,” Sub-measure 2.3.4 “Industrial property protection,” within the Smart Growth Operational Program.

Project objective: to obtain industrial property protection rights and enable entry into selected foreign markets with innovative technology applicable in the insect production industry. The applicant intends to obtain broad international protection for a self-developed continuous feed heating system for insects, which significantly improves the efficiency of mass insect production by enhancing feed conversion efficiency, increasing the size and survival rate of individuals, and reducing energy consumption in the production process. With technology of superior technical and operational parameters compared to those used or offered by competitors, the company has an opportunity to achieve a strong market position. Obtaining industrial property protection will become an important source of competitive advantage.

Project value: PLN 563,000.00

EU funding contribution: PLN 281,500.00

More information about the program: www.parp.gov.pl

We inform that since November 10, 2023, HiProMine S.A. has been the Beneficiary of the project titled:

,,Implementation of an innovative production line for insect meal and insect meat intended for animal feed”

which has received non-repayable support from the development plan referred to in Article 17(1) of Regulation 2021/241, forming the basis for the implementation of reforms and investments financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. The agreement was signed under the investment component “Support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in processing or marketing agricultural, fishery or aquaculture products” of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

The total net value of the project amounts to PLN 20,573,610.33

The granted funding amounts to PLN 10,000,000.00

The aim of the project is to implement the results of R&D work carried out in recent years by the Beneficiary. It will consist in launching industrial production technology for meal and meat derived from farmed insects of the species Hermetia illucens. These products are feed materials used in the nutrition of both livestock and companion animals (dogs and cats).

To receive the funding, the Company committed to completing and settling the following tasks:

Task 1 – Washing, blanching, and cooling system for larvae
Task 2 – Line for washing, blanching/sterilizing, and freezing larvae
Task 3 – Grinding machine
Task 4 – Cooling installation for larval cooling technology
Task 5 – Technological line system for the cooling installation used in larval cooling technology
Task 6 – Compressed air generation and treatment system
Task 7 – Insect dryer
Task 8 – BIG-BAG station
Task 9 – Production management system

HiProMine was selected to participate in the Test Farms program, joining a group of 16 startups with the potential to improve agricultural practices and foster more sustainable farming.

This participation allows HiProMine to test its innovative product – an organic fertilizer derived from Hermetia illucens larval frass – in agricultural applications.

The program is funded by EIT Food, an organization that supports agri-tech innovations by validating and testing products and services, helping startups showcase their solutions to customers and investors, and driving technological transformation in European agriculture.

HiProMine will test the fertilizer on winter wheat and in orchards. Project partners within the EU include Tepro (Spain) and AGROEKOTON (Poland). More information: https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/test-farms

Since August 1, 2019, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project HiproTech – an innovative heating technology for industrial insect farming and rearing for feed production. The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development under Measure 2.3 “Pro-innovative services for enterprises”, Sub-measure 2.3.4 “Protection of industrial property” of the Smart Growth Operational Programme.

The project’s goal is to obtain industrial property protection and enable entry into selected foreign markets with an innovative technology for the insect farming industry. The applicant aims to secure broad international protection for its proprietary underfloor heating system for insect feed, which significantly increases feed conversion efficiency, improves insect productivity and survival rates, enhances biosecurity, and reduces energy consumption during production. Possessing such technology and offering it to technical partners and end-users provides a technological advantage and strengthens the company’s competitive market position. Securing this protection will serve as a key component of long-term competitive advantage.

 Project value: 566 000.00 zł

EU funding: 283 000.00 zł

More information: www.parp.gov.pl

Since May 1, 2021, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project InSmartFarm – Development and validation of optimal parameters and automation of key operations in the industrial fattening process of Hermetia illucens larvae to improve its efficiency. The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the National Centre for Research and Development under Measure 1.1 “R&D projects for enterprises”, Sub-measure 1.1.1 “Industrial research and development work carried out by enterprises” of the Smart Growth Operational Programme.

Project objective:

• to acquire and practically verify knowledge on the optimal values of key parameters influencing the efficiency of the industrial fattening process of Hermetia illucens larvae – such as density, temperature, and humidity
• develop the ability to automatically measure, classify, and control these parameters during the initial pre-fattening stage (post-incubation), enabling the adjustment of these factors to specific larval batches.

Achieving success in these areas will enable the applicant to develop an industrial-scale fattening process, improve larval survival rates, accelerate growth, and optimize feed conversion. This will support the applicant’s strategic and business goals by increasing fattening process efficiency and reducing costs.

Project value: PLN 6,673,808.75.

EU funding: PLN 4,633,062.25.

More information: https://www.gov.pl/web/ncbr

The project is financed by the European Funds within the framework of the Greater Poland Regional Operational Programme 2014–2020, Priority Axis 1: Innovative and Competitive Economy, Measure 1.2: Strengthening the Innovation Potential of Greater Poland.

The aim of the project is to develop, under laboratory conditions, a prototype of a three-module bioreactor designed to convert by-products and waste from the agri-food industry into highly digestible protein, fat, and fertilizer. The transformation process uses specific insect species as biological converters. The implementation of the project will deliver a new production technology for alternative protein sources used in high-protein feed formulas.

The market launch of BIOINSEC technology will result in long-term positive environmental effects, such as reduced material and energy consumption, lower emissions, and greater reuse of materials and waste. The technology aligns with the principles of the 4R strategy (recycle – reduce – repair – reuse). The use of insects enables fast, efficient conversion of low-quality raw materials and waste into high-quality biomass, ensuring effective biorecycling.

Expected results of the project include:

• increased employment in supported enterprises (2.5 FTEs in 2018), increased number of researchers working in upgraded research infrastructure (2.5), new researchers hired in supported units (2.5), one R&D project implemented using the supported infrastructure, and one company utilizing the infrastructure.
• The project will also result in the purchase of research equipment and the construction of the world’s first bioreactor utilizing THS, FLF, and IMEH technologies.
• Private sector R&D expenditures are expected to increase to at least PLN 2.65 million. Employment will rise by 9 research-related FTEs, with sustained employment growth of 2.5 EPC after the project ends. T
• he newly created positions will include animal science specialists, laboratory analysts, automation experts, big data analysts, engineers, and project managers responsible for IMEH, THS, and FLF technology development.

  In addition to the quantified indicators, the project will also deliver the following outcomes: the implementation of a product innovation, a process innovation, and a non-technological innovation in the company. The project will contribute positively to equal opportunities policies, sustainable development, gender equality, digital society, innovation strategies, and international cooperation. It will deepen global collaboration and exchange of technological know-how, promote eco-innovative biotechnology that helps reduce overfishing by enabling substitution in farm animal and fish feeds, and support regional development by implementing world-class innovation. One of the major environmental benefits will be the reduction in the volume of organic waste streams processed by methods other than reuse.

Total project value: PLN 8,309,068.00
European Funds contribution: PLN 5,658,480.00
More information available at: www.wrpo.wielkopolskie.pl

Since March 1, 2017, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project Insects as novel protein sources for fish and poultry. The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the Foundation for Polish Science under Measure 4.4 “Increasing the human resources of the R&D sector,” within the TEAM-TECH program.

Project objective:

The main goal of the project is to study the effects of bioactive insect proteins on the growth of broiler chickens and salmonid fish, to examine the digestibility of nutrients, the amino acid composition of proteins, the energy potential, and the changes in the composition and activity of the animals’ gut microbiome. Furthermore, the project aims to determine the impact of supplementing broiler chicken and salmonid diets with insect protein on the occurrence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in the digestive system using modern molecular biology techniques.

Expected results:

The project will deepen knowledge on the potential use of insect protein in poultry and aquaculture feed. The research results will be applied in legislative procedures and in the marketing of feed products.

Project value: PLN 3,418,500.00
EU funding contribution: PLN 2,853,600.00

More information about the program: www.fnp.org.pl

Since February 1, 2017, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project EntoWaste – Valorization of by-products of the agri-food industry using insect-based technologies.
The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the National Centre for Research and Development under the 2nd ERA-Net-LAC: Latin America, Caribbean and European Union competition.

Project objective:

The main goal of the project is to develop a modular biorefinery technology based on the use of insects for efficient utilization of agri-food industry bio-waste. The research includes the development of methods for processing waste into insect feed, breeding and rearing technologies, and insect processing techniques for the food and feed industries.

Expected results:

The project will provide alternative, low-cost solutions aimed at increasing food and feed security by producing high-quality protein from low-value by-products and waste in the food production and supply chain. The developed technologies will be optimized for implementation in Europe and Latin America, taking into account the specifics of local waste management systems, food distribution, and the types of raw materials available in the form of waste.

Project value: PLN 454,616.70

EU funding contribution: PLN 341,432.00

More information about the program: www.ncbr.gov.pl

Since December 1, 2019, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project Diversification of protein sources for feed purposes based on insect farming in organic-oriented farms.
HiProMine is the leader of the operational group AgroInsect, which also includes the Wielkopolska Agricultural Advisory Center in Poznań.
The project is implemented under the “Cooperation” measure of the Rural Development Program for 2014–2020.
The institution responsible for managing the program is the Agency for Restructuring and Modernization of Agriculture.

Project objective:
The main goal of the project is to provide farmers with technologies and equipment that enable the diversification of protein sources on farms. Through the solutions proposed in the project, farmers will gain access to a new source of high-quality protein, which can be used as feed material in animal nutrition. Scientific research has shown that insects are among the most promising alternative protein sources for animal feed, for example as an excellent substitute for soybean meal in poultry diets.

In addition to the main goal of diversifying protein sources, the project also aims to enable farmers to perform biorecycling of plant waste generated on the farm or obtained from other sources, such as fruit and vegetable processing plants, other farms, or even households.
Farmers will be able to incorporate the produced or purchased waste into insect feed, reducing insect production costs. An additional goal of the project is to activate farmers and facilitate their cooperation with research institutions studying animal feed, as well as with companies offering innovative agricultural technologies based on industrial insect farming and insect-derived products.

Project value: PLN 1,641,857.57

EU funding contribution: PLN 1,458,694.95

More information about the program: www.arimr.gov.pl

cProject consortium website: www.agroinsect.pl

Specific objectives of SUSINCHAIN:

1. Develop business models, expand market potential, and exchange best (and worst) practices among stakeholders in the value chain to overcome supply and demand barriers to large-scale commercialization of high-quality insect-derived proteins for food and feed in Europe, while increasing consumer acceptance.
2. Improve large-scale commercial insect rearing by continuously enhancing quality and efficiency through the exchange of best practices, optimizing feed substrates, preventing insect diseases, and ensuring sustainable and cost-effective use of side streams (frass, chitin, and fat).
3. Conduct demonstration activities and optimize large-scale implementation of insect transport and processing technologies in demonstration facilities and industrial plants.
4. Validate research on a commercially relevant scale regarding the use of insect proteins in animal feed, focusing on developing market-ready insect-based feeds ensuring optimal animal performance and product quality.
5. Carry out pilot activities aimed at introducing insects into the daily diet of European consumers by studying and optimizing their nutritional value and sensory quality, as well as increasing consumer acceptance of six innovative insect-based food products.
6. Develop effective safety control tools for insects and insect-derived products throughout the entire production chain.
7.  Create a decision-support system for the insect industry to ensure that insect supply chain development in Europe remains economically and environmentally sustainable.
8. Develop strategies and business plans for the exploitation of project results and ensure effective communication and dissemination to raise awareness, build trust and acceptance among consumers, and create a forward-looking communication platform.

The project duration is set at 48 months.
It is implemented in cooperation with 18 industrial partners and 17 scientific partners. The total budget exceeds €8.5 million.

Since January 1, 2020, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project InnHatch – Innovative industrial insect reproduction technology. The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the National Centre for Research and Development under Measure 1.1 “R&D projects of enterprises,” Sub-measure 1.1.1 “Industrial research and experimental development carried out by enterprises” of the Smart Growth Operational Program.

Project objective: The goal of the project is to develop an automated prototype hatchery for insects and to establish and implement standards and procedures optimizing its operation on an industrial scale.

Project value: PLN 14,232,615.66

EU funding contribution: PLN 9,645,768.22

More information about the program: www.ncbr.gov.pl

Since May 1, 2020, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project Development of technology for producing organic fertilizer (in pellet/granule form) based on Hermetia illucens frass and testing its effects on selected plants.

The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the National Centre for Research and Development under Measure 1.1 “R&D projects of enterprises,” Sub-measure 1.1.1 “Industrial research and experimental development carried out by enterprises” of the Smart Growth Operational Program.

Project objective: The goal of the project is to develop and verify, under real conditions, a technology for producing an organic fertilizer derived from Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) frass, agglomerated barothermally (in pellet/granule form) and microbiologically safe.

Project value: PLN 5,615,193.75

EU funding contribution: PLN 3,666,685.00

More information about the program: www.ncbr.gov.pl

Since December 1, 2020, HiProMine S.A. has been implementing the project Development and verification under real conditions of innovative methods for slaughtering, sterilization, drying and fat separation from Hermetia illucens larvae as a way to reduce the production costs of functional feed materials with enhanced quality parameters.

The project is co-financed by the European Funds through the National Centre for Research and Development under Measure 1.1 “R&D projects of enterprises,” Sub-measure 1.1.1 “Industrial research and experimental development carried out by enterprises” of the Smart Growth Operational Program.

Project objective:

The objective of the project is to develop and test new process and equipment solutions in the area of slaughtering, sterilization, drying, and fat separation from Hermetia illucens larvae.
The development of optimal process parameters for these stages of insect meal production, along with the creation of a pilot line ensuring process stability and increased efficiency, will enable the achievement of two main goals:

1. Minimization of the costs of the indicated processes, thus reducing the manufacturing costs of the company’s final products – insect meal and Hermetia illucens fat.
2. Significant improvement of the quality parameters of the final products by ensuring higher protein content, lower fat content, and increased antimicrobial activity of the insect meal, as well as higher lauric acid content in the obtained fat – making them functional feed materials highly desired on the market.

Project value: PLN 9,558,152.50

EU funding contribution: PLN 5,922,974.50

More information about the program: www.ncbr.gov.pl