Dutch startup Protix raises €1M from Invest International; bets big on South Korean expansion

Noord-Brabant-based Protix, an insect farming startup working towards bringing the food system back in balance with nature, has secured €1M from Invest International, through its Developmental Accelerator.

The company plans to use the funds to expand its operations into South Korea, a country with one of the world’s most advanced food waste management systems.

Why South Korea?

South Korea processes over 15,000 tons of food waste daily from various sources, including households and businesses.

Unlike the EU, where using food waste as insect feed is restricted, South Korea allows the safe conversion of this waste into insect feed.

“In South Korea, two important factors come together: the regulations are more favorable and the food waste infrastructure is highly advanced. The country places great importance on making full use of all the valuable nutrients that enter the country, which is why they have developed such a well-organized food waste management system which makes it a great match for Protix,” says Stijn Harms, Director of Projects & Technology of Protix. 

Through collaboration with local partners, the Dutch company will build a new facility capable of upcycling up to 130,000 tons of food waste annually.

This facility, twice the size of Protix’s current site in the Netherlands, will transform food waste streams and agri-food byproducts into sustainable protein, oil, and fertilizer, helping build a more circular food system. 

Protix: Insect-based protein production

Founded in 2009, Protix specialises in insect-based protein production, using black soldier fly larvae to convert food waste and agri-food byproducts into high-quality proteins, oils, and natural fertilizers.

These sustainable ingredients are used in animal feed, pet food, and aquaculture feed, offering a low-emission alternative to traditional protein sources like fishmeal and soy. 

“We’re inspired by the natural role insects play in ecosystems — nothing goes to waste in nature. Insects transform organic leftovers into valuable nutrients, completing the circle. We want to bring that circularity back into our modern food system,” explains Stijn Harms, Director of Projects & Technology at Protix.