INTERVIEW FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE January 2025 61 provide holistic solutions for BSF manufacturers. In partnership with Bühler and NRGene Canada, the center provides not only technical and genetic solutions but also the necessary knowledge and support for those entering the BSF industry. The NAIC goal is to advance the BSF industry in North America, facilitating the establishment of new factories, all while embedding circular economy principles into local businesses. Dr. Gil Ronen, NRGene: Through our partnership with Bühler and the establishment of the North American Insect Center, we are advancing the insect-based protein industry and contributing to a more resilient food system. As the demand for alternative protein grows, this collaboration combines cutting-edge genetics and technology to drive innovation, enabling significant advancements and unlocking opportunities for scalable, efficient production. Could you give some information about the technological infrastructure of NAIC and the studies to be carried out here? What is the importance of this center for the insect industry both regionally and globally? Dr. Ben Gradus, NRGene Canada: The NAIC is home to the world’s most advanced breeding program for BSF. This includes: • The most genetically and phenotypically diverse BSF strains • The most advanced molecular breeding tools, featuring the only BSF genotyping platform in the world • High-throughput phenotyping tools and a cloud-based phenotyping database with over 1 million data points Additionally, we have advanced technology for growing, testing, and producing BSF, including: • Bühler’s semi-industrial testing unit, the TRU • Heat tolerance-induced systems • Image analysis-based phenotyping systems • Insectocycle cages for BSF egg production • Separation and initial processing units The NAIC not only provides crucial expertise and knowledge for local farmers, but it also serves as a global hub for developing solutions for BSF
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