Welcome to our X-Europe startup interview series. We have virtually sat down with a number of our founders from past cohorts to hear all about their solutions, vision for the future, and what made them tick during our X Europe programme. So whether you are a deep tech founder looking for startup support, an eagle-eyed investor, or simply interested in the possibilities that technology can bring to society, then we welcome you to take a read. Please meet Inventori Hargol FoodTech, the world’s leader in grasshoppers’ protein production.
Can you briefly explain what your solution is all about? What’s unique about it?
Hargol delivers an alternative protein: Healthier for humans, healthier for the environment, safer, and more efficient to produce. The company is the world’s leader in grasshoppers’ protein production – Grasshoppers are nature’s most efficient protein source.
Hargol's technology enables year-round production of high and constant quality protein.
The company offers a nutrient-rich protein ingredient to food and beverage producers, including over 70% whole protein, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, iron, zinc, folic acid, calcium, chitin, and vitamins.
How can your solution impact the AgriTech sector?
Hargol offers the "new meat" - A healthier and more sustainable animal-based protein source. Company's solution offers a superior product to consumers positively impacting their health while reducing the impact on the environment. The ability to replace traditional poultry with grasshoppers provides an opportunity also for farmers that can improve their income and margins.
What’s the biggest milestone your startup has achieved so far, and what challenges are you still trying to overcome?
Hargol is the first in the world to reach commercial-scale production of an alternative protein from grasshoppers. To reach this milestone we had to overcome the sceptic investors, customers and business partners about the market potential as well as the ability to domesticate grasshoppers.
Our next major challenge is the perception of insects as food across Europe and North America and we are tackling it with joint ventures with leading food producers.
How has X-Europe helped you during the past few months?
X-Europe assisted us by giving us a stage to share our vision, provided additional recognition in our solution and connections to potential business partners. All are crucial steps towards making insect protein accepted across Europe and North America.
After joining and benefiting from the services X-Europe has provided/will provide to you, what next steps do you envision?
Our next step includes the establishment of a joint venture with food producers across Europe to develop and launch food, beverage and supplement applications based on our nutrient rich protein ingredient.
What advice would you give to an entrepreneur trying to pave his/her way in the AgriTech sector?
Remember that what you develop has an immense impact on the lives of millions. This should give you the energy you need to complete this long journey!
What’s unique about the X-Europe programme?
The wide exposure and network that startups require!
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