Eco-loop, Semi-Final 8-minutes pitch | Assumption College Samutprakarn School

Summary

EcoLoom is introducing an innovative solution to global food supply challenges through sustainable agriculture. The EcoLoop E1 prototype uses insects and greenhouse technology to produce animal feed, fertilizers, and organic products with minimal environmental impact. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, EcoLoom aims to contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The system is designed for farmers to reduce feed costs, improve sustainability, and increase efficiency. With a subscription-based model and training, EcoLoom intends to scale globally, offering an alternative to traditional agricultural practices.

Takeaways

• 😀 The global food supply chain faces significant challenges, with over 420,000 deaths annually linked to food tampering, urging the need for new sustainable practices.
• 🌍 Urbanization is hindering progress in agricultural development, and the current food system is contributing to environmental damage, such as deforestation and high greenhouse gas emissions.
• 🐄 Animal agriculture is a major contributor to environmental issues, including 57% of greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of global deforestation.
• 🌱 The solution to this crisis lies in creating sustainable agricultural systems that align with the UN's SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) to ensure a better future for generations to come.
• 🦗 Ecoloom's innovative solution involves using insects and greenhouses to create efficient, nutritious food sources that minimize environmental impact while promoting sustainable farming practices.
• ⚡ The E1 prototype is a portable device designed to reduce farming costs by using renewable energy and operating with minimal resources, addressing the inefficiencies in animal feed production.
• 🚜 Ecoloom aims to scale its business by providing the E1 device to farmers through a subscription model, accompanied by training and support to ensure effective use and adoption.
• 🔄 The E1 system creates a biocircular (BCG) loop, producing animal feed, fertilizers, and organic products while cutting costs and improving food security for farmers.
• 📈 Short-term plans focus on marketing awareness and spreading the adoption of the E1 system, while long-term plans prioritize sustainability and expanding the system's global reach.
• 💡 The E1 prototype could break even in 2.8 years for farmers, providing a self-sufficient system that helps reduce costs and generate new income streams, while maintaining a sustainable, closed-loop ecosystem.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the Ecoloom project?

The primary goal of the Ecoloom project is to create a sustainable, self-sufficient agricultural system using insects and greenhouses, which reduces environmental impact and provides an efficient, alternative food source while promoting modern, sustainable farming practices.

How does the Ecoloom system address food supply chain issues?

Ecoloom addresses food supply chain issues by reducing dependence on conventional animal feed, fertilizers, and pesticides. It uses insects to convert food waste into protein and organic fertilizers, which cuts costs for farmers, reduces waste, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the environmental benefits of the Ecoloom system?

The Ecoloom system reduces greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and the environmental impact of animal agriculture. By recycling food waste into useful resources, it helps lower the carbon footprint of farming and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

How does the E1 prototype work and what are its main features?

The E1 prototype is a portable, self-sufficient device that uses insects to produce animal feed, fertilizers, and other organic products. It operates on renewable energy and requires minimal input, making it both cost-effective and environmentally friendly for farmers.

Who is the target audience for the Ecoloom E1 prototype?

The target audience for the Ecoloom E1 prototype includes farmers, particularly those who own livestock farms, as they stand to benefit most from reduced feed costs and the additional by-products the system can generate, such as fertilizers and organic products.

How will Ecoloom scale its business and reach more farmers globally?

Ecoloom plans to scale its business by offering the E1 prototype through a subscription model, providing training and support to farmers. The company will focus on increasing awareness of its innovative system and collaborating with strategic partners to expand globally.

What are the financial projections for the E1 prototype?

The financial projections indicate that farmers will break even in about 2.8 years, due to reduced operational costs and the self-sufficiency of the E1 prototype. The product's margins are expected to increase as the system scales and production costs decrease.

What role do insects play in the Ecoloom system?

Insects are central to the Ecoloom system, as they convert food waste into animal feed, human food, and fertilizers. The by-products of insect farming, like chitin and frass, are also used in greenhouses to produce organic feed and crops, completing the sustainable loop.

How does Ecoloom contribute to the UN's SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)?

Ecoloom contributes to several of the UN's SDGs, including goals related to sustainable agriculture, climate action, responsible consumption, and food security. By promoting a circular agricultural economy, the system helps address issues like food waste, deforestation, and emissions from traditional farming practices.

What is the proposed business model for the E1 prototype?

The business model for the E1 prototype is based on a subscription service, where farmers can access the technology and receive training. This model ensures that the system is affordable and accessible, with the potential for high returns through reduced feed costs and new revenue streams from by-products.