Loopworm, a Bengaluru-based startup, is pioneering a novel approach to protein production by leveraging insects like silkworms and black soldier flies. Founded in 2019 by Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri, the company aims to disrupt traditional protein manufacturing by offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for animal feed and pharmaceutical applications. This innovation is particularly significant in the context of India’s burgeoning biotech sector and the increasing global demand for affordable biologics.
### Revolutionizing Protein Production
Loopworm has positioned itself at the intersection of biotechnology and sustainability. By using insects to produce protein biologics, the company seeks to address the high costs and technical challenges associated with traditional manufacturing. Insects can generate these proteins more efficiently, potentially reducing costs by up to 80%, depending on the complexity of the molecule. This approach not only promises to make biologics more accessible but also taps into India’s strengths as a low-cost manufacturing hub with abundant biological resources.
The startup generates revenue primarily through the production of high-protein concentrates and Omega-3-rich fats for animal feed. These products are supplied to aquaculture, poultry, and pet food manufacturers in India and exported to markets in Japan, Europe, and South America. By focusing on insects as a bio-manufacturing platform, Loopworm differentiates itself from traditional feed manufacturers and other insect protein startups.
### Navigating the Competitive Landscape
Loopworm’s innovative approach sets it apart in a competitive landscape dominated by established feed manufacturers like Pelagia AS and Omega Protein Corp. In the realm of recombinant proteins, the company aims to challenge large global biomanufacturers that rely on traditional bioreactor systems. This ambition is supported by substantial funding, including ₹25.8 crore from Omnivore Ventures in 2022 and ₹27.8 crore from Enrition Capital and Waterbridge Ventures in 2025. Early backing from grants by BIRAC, the Gates Foundation, and others has also been instrumental in Loopworm’s development.
Despite these advantages, the company faces challenges in gaining acceptance for insect-based proteins, particularly in export markets like Japan and Europe, where regulators and buyers are unfamiliar with such products. Loopworm’s strategy involves ensuring consistent quality and safety standards to build trust among manufacturers and consumers.
### Implications for India’s Startup Ecosystem
Loopworm’s success could have far-reaching implications for India’s startup ecosystem. By pioneering the use of insects in protein production, the company highlights the potential for innovation in biotechnology and sustainable agriculture. This aligns with broader trends in the Indian startup landscape, where there is growing interest in leveraging indigenous resources and low-cost manufacturing capabilities to create globally competitive solutions.
As Loopworm continues to expand its product offerings, including the development of specialised proteins for diagnostics and research, it could pave the way for further advancements in bio-manufacturing. The company’s efforts to validate these products across labs and regulatory frameworks will be crucial in establishing insects as a viable mainstream manufacturing layer.
### Looking Ahead
Loopworm’s journey reflects a broader shift towards sustainable and innovative solutions in the biotech sector. As the company aims to quadruple its revenue by FY26, driven by demand for animal nutrition products and the introduction of recombinant proteins, it is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of protein production. The success of Loopworm could inspire other startups to explore unconventional resources, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and resilient Indian startup ecosystem.
