Odisha-born entrepreneurs Dr Jayashankar Das and Dr Padmaja Mohanty are emerging as key innovators in India’s animal nutrition and biotech sectors. Their startup, Elmentoz Research Pvt. Ltd., has raised $4 million in seed funding from Indian and Norwegian angel investors. As a result, the company is preparing to scale its sustainable feed solutions for poultry, aquaculture, and pet food markets.
Founded in December 2022, Elmentoz focuses on precision animal health nutrition and smart feed technologies. Notably, the company plans to establish India’s largest Black Soldier Fly (BSF)-based smart protein facility in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This facility will begin operations in January 2026, strengthening Odisha’s position in advanced biotechnology.
Scaling Sustainable Protein Production
The upcoming facility will process 2,000 metric tonnes of industrial by-products every month. Using advanced automation, Elmentoz will convert organic waste into high-value functional proteins. Consequently, this model supports both feed security and circular economy goals.
Moreover, the newly raised capital will help scale cGMP-certified manufacturing, expand flagship products ELGROW and ELTIDE, and accelerate antimicrobial peptide (AMP) research. In addition, Elmentoz will strengthen global partnerships and expand its research and commercial teams.
Moving Beyond Antibiotic Growth Promoters
According to Dr Jayashankar Das, Founder and CEO, India must prioritise nutritional security alongside food security. Elmentoz’s insect-based protein solutions deliver consistent amino acid profiles and support better gut health. Therefore, they help reduce reliance on antibiotic growth promoters, which face increasing regulatory pressure worldwide.
Meanwhile, the company combines genomics and proteomics to design feed formulations that improve animal performance. As a result, farmers and feed manufacturers gain safer and more resilient nutrition options.
Sustainability at the Core
Dr Padmaja Mohanty, Co-Founder and CTO, highlighted that insects are highly efficient bio-converters. At Elmentoz, sustainability drives product design and manufacturing decisions. Hence, the company’s BSF platform offers an environmentally responsible alternative to conventional protein sources.
Furthermore, international investors see strong potential in this approach. Norwegian angel investor Christen Hveem noted that nutritional security is becoming a global priority. He added that India could lead the smart protein revolution through companies like Elmentoz.
Positioning Odisha as a Biotech Hub
Beyond commercial growth, Elmentoz aims to position Odisha as a hub for next-generation animal nutrition. Its IP-led platform integrates advanced automation with cGMP manufacturing. Consequently, the company is helping redefine India’s insect-based feed industry.
With strong research capabilities, global investor confidence, and a sustainability-first model, Elmentoz is well placed to shape the future of precision and sustainable animal nutrition in India and beyond.
