Elmentoz Research Raises USD 4.5 Million to Build India’s Largest Smart Protein Facility

Bhubaneswar: Elmentoz Research Pvt. Ltd., a deep-tech biotechnology start-up working on precision animal nutrition and smart feed solutions, has secured USD 4.5 million in seed funding from angel investors in India and Norway. The company will use the investment to establish India’s largest Black Soldier Fly (BSF)-based smart protein facility, with a processing capacity of 2,000 MT per month. The fully automated cGMP-compliant plant is expected to be operational by January 2026.

The funding will help Elmentoz expand its sustainable, next-generation feed solutions aimed at reducing India’s dependence on imported additives and tackling challenges such as antimicrobial resistance. The company’s platform integrates genomics, proteomics, and advanced automation to produce immune-smart premixes, functional oils, and smart protein formulations under its ELGROW and ELTIDE product lines.

According to the company, its precision-nutrition technology improves gut health, boosts feed conversion, and enhances disease resilience, offering an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters.

The seed round will support scaling of the manufacturing facility, expansion of the product portfolio, advancement of antimicrobial peptide technologies, strengthening of global partnerships, and hiring across research, manufacturing, and commercial teams.

Founder and CEO Dr. Jayashankar Das said the investment will help India move beyond food security towards nutritional security by enabling antibiotic-free performance in poultry, aquaculture, and pet food sectors. Co-founder and CTO Dr. Padmaja Mohanty added that insects offer a highly efficient and sustainable source of protein, making them central to the future of animal nutrition.

Norwegian investor Christen Hveem said Elmentoz has the potential to position India as a global leader in next-generation smart proteins and sustainable feed systems.

Elmentoz is pioneering India’s first research-driven insect protein platform, aiming to play a major role in the emerging global insect-based feed industry.