In a time when the need for sustainable and scalable food and pharma solutions has never been greater, Loopworm is creating a new frontier—right from insects. Co-founded by Ankit Alok Bagaria, an IIT Roorkee alumnus and chemical engineer, Loopworm has carved a bold path through the world of insect biosciences and biomanufacturing. In a candid discussion with Indian Startup Times, Ankit shares the startup’s remarkable journey, its pivot from waste management to biotech, and his vision for a biocircular economy in India.
The Spark Behind Loopworm
Ankit’s entrepreneurial roots go back to his first venture, AgroSnap, which paved the way for his co-founding of Loopworm alongside his partner, Abhi. What started as a waste management solution soon evolved into something far more ambitious: the cultivation and processing of insects for value-added, sustainable products. Their journey was driven by the global need for alternative protein sources and scalable biotech inputs—and an unwavering belief in science-driven impact.
The Insect Advantage
Loopworm’s core focus lies in insect processing for sustainability and innovation. Ankit likens the versatility of insect species to that of various milk types—each insect can offer unique value depending on how it’s processed. The company initially targeted the animal nutrition market, but is now expanding into biopharma and biotechnology, tapping into high-value applications.
Responsible Innovation and Team Growth
At the heart of Loopworm is a deep commitment to quality and responsibility. Ankit stressed how their B2B products, although technical, ultimately impact farmers and their livestock. The trust of their clients, and the livelihoods of a 45-member team, push them to uphold the highest quality standards across their product lines.
Recent fundraising efforts have bolstered team expansion and infrastructure, positioning Loopworm to scale more aggressively and meet growing industry demands.
Science, Trust, and the Role of Education
In sectors like animal nutrition and diagnostics, Loopworm has focused on scientific validation—sharing lab reports, conducting field trials, and building trust in their B2B customer base. Despite working in a nascent industry, the startup has encountered minimal resistance thanks to transparent communication and consistent public education efforts, including blogs and market outreach.
Sustainability That Scales
Loopworm’s operations demonstrate that insect-derived products can be both environmentally sound and commercially viable. Insects thrive on organic waste, require less water and land, and can be processed efficiently. The company currently processes 100 tons of dried insects per month, working with 9,000+ suppliers in Bangalore.
Their scale-up strategy is twofold:
- Increase insect volume processed.
- Enhance value extracted from the same biomass.
Pioneering Innovation: Insect-Derived Peptones
One of Loopworm’s most exciting breakthroughs is its work on insect-derived peptones for use in bioreactors. These peptones help cultivate cells used in therapeutics and vaccines, offering cleaner alternatives free from antibiotics and pesticide residues commonly found in plant and animal sources. This innovation gives Loopworm a first-mover advantage in this emerging market segment.
The AgriBiotech Challenge in India
Ankit was candid about the challenges of building a deep tech agribiotech startup in India. Commercialization timelines are long, investor knowledge is limited in this domain, and attracting talent from more stable corporate environments remains tough. Nevertheless, his approach is rooted in foundational research, a long-term vision, and a problem-first mindset.
India’s Role in the Global BioCircular Economy
Looking forward, Ankit is optimistic. He believes India’s talent pool, growing ecosystem, and progressive policies will allow it to take a leadership role in the global biocircular economy. He encourages young entrepreneurs to invest time in primary research, remain patient, and focus on solving real-world problems instead of chasing trends.
Conclusion
From humble beginnings to pioneering biotech innovations, Ankit Alok Bagaria’s journey with Loopworm is a powerful example of what purpose-driven entrepreneurship can achieve. Loopworm isn’t just about insects—it’s about building a resilient, sustainable, and scientifically validated ecosystem that serves both the environment and the economy. As India’s agribiotech sector gains traction, startups like Loopworm are proving that the smallest creatures can unlock the biggest solutions.
-Interview Conducted by Bhumika Rawat, Section Editor
