Menterra Invests in Innovative Feed Ingredient Startup UltraNutri

In a significant boost for sustainable aquaculture, Indian private equity firm Menterra has made a strategic investment in feed ingredient startup UltraNutri during its pre-series A funding round. This investment illustrates a growing trend toward environmentally friendly solutions in the aquaculture industry.

Innovative Breeding Techniques

UltraNutri, supported by two prominent US-based professors and leading Indian cell therapy firms, has pioneered a distinctive method for breeding black soldier flies (BSF). This innovative approach involves rearing the insects on agricultural byproducts, which are abundant and often considered waste materials.

What sets UltraNutri apart is its ability to develop BSF that possess natural immunity. Under optimal conditions, these insects can transfer their disease resistance to shrimp through the feed chain, enhancing the health and sustainability of farmed shrimp.

Funding for Growth

The exact amount of Menterra’s investment remains undisclosed. However, it is clear that this funding will play a crucial role in enabling UltraNutri to scale up production of BSF. The company aims to expand its offerings with functional, disease-resistant shrimp feed, an essential advancement in aquaculture practices.

Ramaswamy Subramanian, a board member and co-founder of UltraNutri, and the director of Purdue University’s Bindley Bioscience Center, emphasized the significance of this investment. “This funding will help us enhance our production capabilities and contribute positively to the aquaculture industry,” he stated in an interview.

Conclusion

As the demand for sustainable aquaculture solutions continues to rise, investments like Menterra’s into innovative startups such as UltraNutri are paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendly future in food production. The transformative potential of BSF in shrimp feed could redefine aquaculture practices, benefiting both producers and consumers alike.