IRBI and Innovafeed launch research partnership on black soldier fly production.
A research partnership between the Institute for Research on Insect Biology (IRBI) and Innovafeed aims to address scientific and technological challenges in scaling up black soldier fly production in France.
The project, known as FrenchFly, is designed to support development of the country’s black soldier fly (BSF) sector by improving scientific understanding of the species and refining industrial production methods.
The initiative brings together IRBI, a research institute affiliated with the University of Tours and CNRS, with Innovafeed, a French insect protein producer that operates industrial-scale facilities for rearing Hermetia illucens, commonly known as the black soldier fly.
According to the partners, the project will focus on research into insect biology, including growth, reproduction, environmental interactions, and lifecycle optimisation. The work is intended to generate open scientific data and support improved rearing conditions and production efficiency for the species.
Results are expected to be shared through academic publications, conferences, and industry networks.
The project has received support from the French government under its France 2030 investment programme, through the “I-Démo” innovation funding scheme administered by Bpifrance.
Black soldier fly larvae are increasingly used as a source of protein and oils for aquaculture feed, pet food, and agricultural applications. Industry proponents argue the insects can convert organic by-products into protein with a lower environmental footprint than conventional feed ingredients.
Innovafeed said the collaboration would combine its industrial production expertise with IRBI’s academic research capabilities to expand scientific knowledge of the species and support the wider development of the insect protein sector in France.
