Introduction

WormingUp is a Sarawak-based company that revolutionizes organic waste management through innovative black soldier fly (BSF) farming. Initially focused on sustainability and alternative protein, we are now specializes in supplying high-quality BSF products (eggs, dried larvae, compost) developed through R&D.

This approach transforms Malaysia's daily 15 million kilograms of organic waste into valuable resources for animal feed and organic farming, significantly reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular economy. Leveraging green technology and vertical insect farming, we have evolved and aim to become a leading supplier of high-quality BSF broodstock for diverse applications — including organic waste treatment, premium compost and fertilizer production, and sustainable protein sources.

What We Do

The Challenge

Malaysia generates an estimated 15 million kilograms of organic waste daily. The current method of waste disposal is a linear approach, where materials are used once and then discarded at dumpsites. This leads to several environmental problems:

• Air Pollution: Dumpsites release methane, carbon dioxide, and toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Soil Pollution: Harmful chemicals from waste can seep into the soil.
• Water Pollution: Leachate (liquid formed when water filters through waste) can contaminate groundwater and surface water.
• Resource and Financial Loss: There is no value recovery from discarded materials.

The waste composition in Malaysia as of 2012 shows organic waste as the largest component at 44.5%.

Our Solution

We offer ESG-driven solutions that directly address current environmental and operational challenges through black soldier fly (BSF) farming. By leveraging entomological biotechnology, we convert agricultural by-products—typically considered waste—into high-value resources, transforming an environmental challenge into a sustainable solution.

The process involves:

1. Waste Sourcing and Pre-processing: Obtaining and preparing organic waste.
2. BSF Treatment Facility:
   • Rearing: BSF larvae are reared using the organic waste.
   • Residue Processing: The remaining waste after larval consumption is processed.
3. Product Harvesting: BSF products, such as larvae, are harvested.
4. Larvae Refining and Animal Feeding: The harvested larvae are refined and used as high-quality animal feed.

This approach creates a circular economy where waste is transformed into valuable resources (BSF products like eggs and biofertilizer/frass).

Why Are We Different

We are located in East Malaysia, which gives us a significant advantage as part of 85% of the world's palm oil is found in Borneo (Source: WWF). This suggests proximity to a major source of agricultural waste that can be used as input.

With our technology, we develop diverse strains, each engineered for specific superior traits:

1. Tailored Solutions: Such as broodstock with code MO8 for targeted organic waste treatment, M31 for rapid 7-day harvests, M42 for small, infertile flies, T08 for heavy yields, and T16 for cold resistance.
2. Superior Performance: Our adults boast a 21.1% productivity rate, and our eggs achieve 65.7% higher hatchability.

This specialised genetic approach ensures unparalleled efficiency and tailored solutions for various applications.

Our Revenue Model

Our revenue model is straightforward, driven by two key products from our operations:

1. Biofertilizer (Frass): Providing revenue at RM800 per ton.
2. BSF Eggs: Generating income at RM1 per gram.

These are our primary income streams.

Our Market Opportunity

Our market potential is substantial, centered on Malaysia's extensive palm oil industry:

1. Untapped Organic Waste Potential: Sarawak generates significant volumes of agricultural and food waste, especially from oil palm and livestock sectors. BSF farming presents a scalable, cost-efficient solution to convert this waste into high-value protein and fertilizer — tapping into a circular economy with minimal competition in East Malaysia.
    
2. Rising Demand for Sustainable Feed & Fertilizer: With increasing pressure on traditional feed sources and chemical fertilizers, the demand for sustainable alternatives is accelerating. BSF larvae offer a renewable, protein-rich feedstock suitable for aquaculture, poultry, and pets, while frass (BSF manure) is gaining traction as an organic soil booster.
    
3. Strategic Location with Export Potential: Operating from Sarawak gives us access to both local agricultural players and proximity to export markets such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei. 

Our Strategy

1. Operations (Community-Based Contract Farming): This is a collaborative model between FTA Broodstock and Contracted Farmers.

FTA Broodstock provides:

• Farming training on BSF.
• BSF Eggs, Feed & Consumables
• Harvest Buy-Back (guaranteeing purchase of the farmed product).
• BSF Product Refinery & Packaging.

Contracted Farmers provide:

• Space for farming.
• BSF tools & BSF farming equipment.
• Perform BSF Farming & Product Harvesting. 

2. Revenue (Direct-to-Consumer Approach and Resource Alliance Model):

Direct-to-Consumer Approach:

• FTA Broodstock (under the WormingUp brand) aims to directly engage with customers.
• This approach is expected to optimize profit margins and foster stronger customer loyalty by cutting out intermediaries like manufacturers and distributors.

Resource Alliance Model:

This involves a Joint Venture (JV) between FTA Broodstock, Strategic Investors, and Waste Generators.

• Waste Generators: Provide waste (at least 15 tons a day), contributing 40% to the JV.
• Strategic Investors: Provide a minimum investment of RM500,000, contributing 30% to the JV.
• FTA Broodstock: Focuses on providing technical expertise and skills for production, contributing 30% to the JV.

3. Centralized Broodstock Production Plant:

 Build a facility to supply eggs to all mills, ensuring consistent quality and supply

4. Decentralized Processing Production Line:

Implement decentralized processing to reduce transportation costs due to geographic dispersal.

5. Centralized Finishing and Packaging Plant:

Establish a centralized facility to manage product finishing and packaging, allowing for stringent quality control.

Our Achievements

Community and Partnership: WormingUp boasts a diverse team of passionate Bornean youth and works alongside a range of high-profile stakeholders, including Shell, Hilton, UNDP, UNIMAS, Rainforest Trust, and more, signalling strong partnerships across environmental, academic, and corporate sectors.

Recognition & Public Engagement: WormingUp’s efforts have garnered media attention:

• Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Masranti and Bioloop for sustainable waste management in October 2024.
• We featured in The Star for our innovative use of "nature’s wriggly fertiliser" (i.e., BSF) to support farmers in July 2023.

Financial Forecast

Indicative Usage of Funds