Project · Completed · Serbia
Connecting research with pilot rearing
The TeM incubator developed through cooperation between Belinda Animals and the Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”. The initiative connected the Institute’s experience with laboratory Tenebrio molitor populations to the development of practical rearing and research infrastructure.
- Status
- Completed
- Period
- 2022–2023
- Country
- Serbia
- Belinda's role
- Pilot capacity and technical development
- Partner
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković” (IBISS)
- Support
- EU for Green Agenda in Serbia initiative
Infrastructure development
Four climate-controlled chambers, together with sieving and monitoring equipment, were procured and installed as part of the pilot system. This capacity created a basis for work on rearing procedures, colony organisation and process assessment in controlled conditions.
A research direction
One area of cooperation concerned insect-assisted plastic biodegradation, particularly polystyrene. This is research and development work. Application of the findings requires assessment of the specific material, analytical evidence and appropriate conditions for each intended use.
From the incubator, October 2023
A publicly recognised initiative
The project received support under EU for Green Agenda in Serbia and was featured by UNDP, the United Nations and Serbian business media. It represents a significant step in connecting manufacturing experience, science and new opportunities in the circular bioeconomy.
Public references
- Insects that break down plastic waste (opens in a new window)
- Plastic-Eating Insects (opens in a new window)
- “Revolutionize the fight against plastic waste with Belinda Animals” (opens in a new window)
- Insects that break down plastic — an innovation by a Belgrade company (opens in a new window)
- Interview with Boris Vasiljev (opens in a new window)
