In a step supporting the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and promoting sustainable, antibiotic-free animal nutrition, the Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology, signed an agreement with M/s Elmentoz Research Private Limited, Bhubaneswar, to provide financial assistance for the project titled “Development and Commercialization of Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP)-Enriched, Sustainable Precision Smart Protein for Poultry, Aquaculture Feed and Pet Food.”
The initiative focuses on establishing commercial-scale production of ELGROW™ Smart Protein, an AMP-enriched, precision-engineered functional protein developed using a proprietary insect biomanufacturing platform.
Headquartered in Bhubaneswar and promoted by Dr. Jayashankar Das, Elmentoz Research specializes in antibiotic-free, sustainable, and precision protein solutions for poultry, aquaculture, and pet food. ELGROW™ Smart Protein is designed to replace antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), enhance feed conversion ratios (FCR), reduce disease incidence, and support circular waste valorisation.
The technology leverages locally sourced agri-food and industrial waste streams as feedstock, strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing import dependence, and aligning with circular economy principles. In addition to ELGROW™ Protein Meal and AMP-enriched formulations, the company produces ELGROW™ Oil, rich in essential fatty acids like linoleic acid (omega-6), beneficial for poultry and aquaculture growth and reproduction.
The project is expected to benefit both large integrators and small-to-medium farmers by providing cost-effective, performance-enhancing feed alternatives suited to Indian farming systems. It addresses challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), feed security, and rising input costs, while also promoting environmental sustainability.
On the occasion, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said the Board’s support reflects its mandate to promote commercialization of indigenous technologies from in-house R&D. He emphasized that antibiotic-free precision nutrition solutions are crucial for food safety, export competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of India’s livestock and aquaculture sectors.
Expressing gratitude, the promoter of Elmentoz Research stated that the support will enable scaling up their proprietary insect biomanufacturing platform and deliver sustainable, cost-effective, and performance-driven protein solutions tailored to Indian conditions, reducing reliance on imported feed additives and strengthening national feed security.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
