Q: What does your startup do?
A: AgriWorm Solutions specializes in sustainable agriculture through vertical mealworm farming, producing premium-grade protein flour and nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. We harness the natural capabilities of mealworms to create high-value products that address global protein shortages and soil health concerns. Our journey began with a shared passion for sustainable practices and a desire to innovate in the agricultural sector. Through extensive research and development, we refined our farming techniques and established Agriworm Solutions. Our solution benefits poultry, livestock, and aqua fish producers by providing them with a reliable source of protein and organic fertilizer, ultimately improving animal health and crop productivity.
Q: What is one of your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lesson did you learn from it?
A: Our biggest achievement has been scaling up our operations and moving to a larger facility for farming. This expansion signifies our growth and progress in the industry. The lesson we learned from this achievement is the importance of taking steady steps and exercising patience. Building a successful startup requires resilience and persistence, and staying focused on our goals has been crucial to overcoming obstacles and achieving milestones.
Q: What are the main challenges you faced throughout your journey?
A: The main challenges we faced in our entrepreneurial journey include overcoming skepticism and resistance to our innovative ideas, as well as navigating the complexities of establishing and operating a mealworm farm.
Q: How did you overcome these challenges?
A: To overcome these challenges, we adopted a trial-and-error approach, constantly learning from our experiences and refining our methods. Participating in the Agrytech accelerator program provided us with invaluable support, access to experts, and guidance to address our challenges effectively.
Q: Why did you apply to the Agrytech program? What were you hoping to achieve through it?
A: We applied to the Agrytech program seeking information, assistance, and support to accelerate our startup’s growth. Our goal was to gain insights from industry experts, access resources to refine our business model and establish valuable connections within the agricultural ecosystem.
Q: What are your long-term goals as a startup?
A: Our long-term goals as a startup include pioneering mealworm farming in the region, establishing a well-established farm, and raising awareness of the importance of mealworms as a sustainable protein source and their frass as a soil enhancer. We aim to become a leading player in the agricultural industry, contributing positively to food security and environmental sustainability.
Q: What’s something you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
A: One of the most enjoyable aspects of being an entrepreneur is the journey itself — a roller coaster ride filled with ups and downs, challenges, and triumphs. Celebrating successes, big or small, with our team brings immense joy and fulfillment, motivating us to keep pushing forward despite the obstacles.
Q: What advice would you give to someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program?
A: To someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program, I would advise embracing the journey with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. Recognize that the entrepreneurial path is not linear, and setbacks are inevitable. Stay resilient, stay focused on your goals, and leverage the resources and support available through the program to overcome challenges and achieve success.
About Agrytech
Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors.
