Wow, how time flies! It feels like just yesterday we closed the doors on IFW 2024, an event we've been planning since 2022. Protenga submitted the bid for IFW 2024 in Singapore, which we won and eventually worked as co-chair alongside Nutrition Technologies. Organising the 5th Insects to Feed the World (IFW) conference was a monumental experience for us. It wasn't just about showcasing our team, innovation and company, but also about learning and growing through this incredible journey.
Organising IFW: Reflections and Insights
From the initial planning stages to the final day of the conference, our goal was to create an event that was not only successful but meaningful for everyone involved. We were honoured to take on this responsibility. Collaborating with our co-chair, Martin Zorrilla from Nutrition Technologies, and the professional team at Triumph, we learned so much about project management, ensuring quality content, and the nuances of making an event truly impactful. It was our first time organising such a prestigious event, and the experience was invaluable.
Day 0: Welcome Reception at Stella
June 18th started with a technical visit to the SFA Marine Aquaculture Centre at St John’s Island, guided by our R&D Specialist, Mathieu. Later, the conference officially kicked off with a warm welcome reception at beautiful Stella Seaside Lounge. We served a variety of delicious insect-based dishes prepared by Chef Joseph Yoon and students from Nanyang Polytechnic. Leo, our CEO, wore our unique Protenga mating t-shirts as a conversation starter - and it really did bring out a lot of talks!
Day 1: A Cultural Opening and Keynote Insights
The first official day began with a vibrant lion dance, offering a glimpse into Singapore’s Chinese culture. It was a symbol of prosperity and good luck. Keynote speeches from industry leaders like Kees Aarts, founder of Protix, and Dr. Nalini Puniamoorthy, whose TED-style talk provided deep insights into the world of insects, set the stage for the day. The sessions were engaging and the evening networking event allowed participants to forge new connections. We also showcased our Smart Insect Farm and the latest Neonate Portioning Machine at our booth in the Singapore Pavilion.
Day 2: Protenga’s Presentation and Cultural Showcases
On the second day, Protenga led a thought-provoking session on "What's the Value of Insect Protein?", which sparked lively discussions post-event (sorry we didn’t have time for QnA!). The evening’s conference dinner at Wheeler’s Tropikana featured a gamelan performance, offering our international guests a taste of Malay culture. The music was soothing and the atmosphere perfect for a relaxing networking dinner.
Day 3: Lunch & Learn, Pet Food, and Metrics in Insect Farming
Day three was packed with activities for Protenga. We participated in a Lunch & Learn session hosted by Bühler, discussing the right breeding strategies for insect companies. Our Product Manager, Rachel, gave an insightful presentation on pet food, which generated a lot of interest. Leo also presented on the metrics in industrial insect farming, highlighting our Smart Insect Farm technology. The day ended with a fun pub event at Trifecta, where attendees could unwind and try surfboarding.
Day 4: Closing and Looking Ahead
The final day was filled with reflections and farewells. We celebrated the success of IFW 2024 and announced the next IFW event in Turin, Italy. This journey was more than just organising a conference; it was about connecting with like-minded individuals, sharing knowledge, and working together to drive the future of sustainable food systems.
For many of our team members, this was their first time experiencing the Insects to Feed the World conference and meeting peers from the same industry. We are proud to have been at the center of this transformative event and look forward to continuing our work in making insect-based food solutions a reality for the masses.
Thank you to everyone who participated, collaborated, and supported us. Together, we are shaping the future of food, Making Insects Work for You.
See you in Turin in 2026!
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