Bhubaneswar-based startup Elmentoz Research Wins Startup Mahakumbh Grand Challenge 2025 for Revolutionising Antibiotics-Free Animal Feed

New Delhi:  Elmentoz Research, a Bhubaneswar-based cutting-edge deeptech biotech startup, has won the prestigious Startup Mahakumbh Grand Challenge Award 2025 for its groundbreaking innovation aimed at transforming the animal feed industry. The award was presented by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, during the Startup Mahakumbh held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from April 3 to 5.

Elmentoz was recognised for its mission to eliminate antibiotics from animal feed, tackling one of the world’s gravest public health threats—antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—which spreads through the food chain. Founded by Dr. Jayashankar Das, a noted biotechnologist and technocrat-turned-entrepreneur, Elmentoz is pioneering insect-based, smart protein solutions using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) biotechnology.

The company converts organic waste into high-quality proteins, oils, and biofertilizers, producing functional feed fortified with antimicrobial peptides. These next-generation feed formulations cater to the poultry, aquafeed, and pet food industries, offering precision nutrition while reducing dependency on antibiotics. By focusing on sustainable and cost-effective alternatives, Elmentoz aims to reshape the future of animal farming and ensure food security.

Elmentoz’s innovations are protected by multiple patents and have received numerous accolades, including grants from BIRAC, Startup India, NRDC-DSIR, I4F Indo-Israel, HDFC Parivartan Eco-Innovate, and MeitY’s Leap Ahead Cohort, cementing its leadership in deeptech and climate-resilient biotechnology.

The company is now setting up India’s largest commercial facility for producing precision smart proteins for both domestic and export markets. At full capacity, the facility will process 2.4 million metric tons of organic waste and reduce 300,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually—making Elmentoz a torchbearer of India’s climate-smart bioeconomy.

With over 10,000 startups, 1,000 investors, and 50,000 visitors, Startup Mahakumbh 2025 marked the largest convergence of India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, featuring sectoral innovations across AgriTech, Climate Tech, BioTech, AI, FinTech, and more. Elmentoz’s win stands as a beacon of the country’s potential in sustainable innovation and global biotech leadership.