Back from the Blue Food Innovation Summit: Insect Protein Making Waves in Sustainable Aquaculture

The bags are unpacked, the laundry's (almost) done, and the jet lag is slowly surrendering its grip here in Johor Bahru. But the energy and insights gained from the Blue Food Innovation Summit in London are still very much top of mind. We've just returned from a truly engaging couple of days, and we're excited to share some of our key takeaways.

What struck us most profoundly was the palpable momentum building around sustainable aquaculture. As the global demand for protein continues to rise, the need for environmentally responsible and efficient farming practices for our oceans and waterways has never been more critical. It was inspiring to connect with so many passionate individuals and organisations dedicated to forging a more sustainable future for aquatic food systems.

For us, as pioneers in insect protein production for aquaculture, it was particularly significant to be present at this influential gathering. In fact, we were the sole insect protein producer in attendance, highlighting the growing recognition of our industry's potential to contribute meaningfully to this crucial sector. We had the opportunity to showcase our sustainable insect-based solutions, emphasising their nutritional richness and environmental benefits for aquafeed formulations.

A highlight of the summit was the strong presence and active participation of our investor, The Yield Lab Asia Pacific. As the Innovation Partner for the event, their commitment to fostering groundbreaking solutions in agrifood tech was evident throughout. We were particularly proud to witness Claire Pribula, Managing Director of The Yield Lab APAC, take the stage for a compelling aquaculture investor panel. Her insights provided a frank and open discussion about the vital role of strategic capital in unlocking the right opportunities and driving meaningful change within the industry. We extend our sincere gratitude to Claire, Michelle, and the entire TYLAP team for their continued confidence and unwavering support, and for the invaluable opportunity to be part of their innovation showcase at the summit.

Claire Pribula from The Yield Lab Asia Pacific on the screen

It was also incredibly encouraging to hear from key players in the aquafeed sector. During one of the panel discussions, Katherine Bryar from BioMar, a leading global supplier of high-quality feed to the aquaculture industry, specifically acknowledged the evolving understanding of insect protein. She highlighted that beyond its core nutritional protein value, insect protein is increasingly being recognised as a functional ingredient within their aquafeed formulations. This recognition marks an important step forward in the broader adoption and integration of insect protein as a mainstream component of sustainable aquaculture diets.

Katherine Bryar from BioMar on the screen

Furthermore, the summit provided a valuable opportunity to connect in person with Barbara Page from F3 - Future of Fish Feed. For the past decade, F3 has played a pivotal role as a facilitator and catalyst for the adoption of novel and sustainable feed ingredients in aquafeed, with insect protein being a key focus. Their competitions and advocacy efforts have significantly contributed to raising awareness and driving innovation in this space. Meeting Barbara, one of the key individuals behind F3's impactful work, was a truly rewarding experience and solidified our shared vision for a more sustainable future for fish feed.

Leo with Barbara Page from F3 - Future of Fish Feed

TYLAP portfolio at the Innovation showcase of the Blue Food Innovation Summit 2025 in London. Left to Right: Evan from Wittaya Aqua, Simon from Seadling, Liris from Jala, Wael and Josh from FloNergia, Alan Steele from Sea Green, and Leo Wein representing Protenga

The Blue Food Innovation Summit served as a powerful reminder of the collaborative spirit and innovative drive within the aquaculture industry. We left London feeling energised and optimistic about the future of sustainable aquafeed, and the crucial role insect protein will play in it. The conversations, connections, and insights gained will undoubtedly fuel our efforts as we continue to develop and scale our sustainable insect protein solutions.

Now, if you'll excuse us, we have a bit more jet lag to conquer before fully diving back into our work here in Johor Bahru!

Learn more about The Yield Lab Asia Pacific here: https://www.theyieldlab.asia/portfolios

Ask us about how insect protein for your aquaculture feed: [email protected]