BionsAI – Valorisation of organic residues with cockroaches

Europe imports 74% of the protein feed it needs and produces nitrogen fertiliser using the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process. At the same time, large quantities of bound nitrogen are eliminated through combustion or in sewage treatment plants. Today, insects and microorganisms are used to recycle waste streams. The aim of the project is to develop an innovative process for the utilisation of organic waste fractions by cockroaches supported by an AI-assisted system. The BonsAI project has the following objectives: 1. Development of an AI-controlled bioconversion technology for the fully automated separation of organic and inorganic waste fractions with a separation efficiency of ≥ 95% and a bioconversion rate/biomass utilisation rate of ≥ 90% of the organic input 2. Scaling from laboratory scale (1 m³) to pilot plant level (10 m³) with proof of industrial suitability through continuous operation for ≥ 6 months 3. Achieving a throughput of 50 kg of organic matter/day (in the 10 m³ plant) 4. Development of new recycling products with defined quality standards: cockroach protein hydrolysates (≥ 90% protein content), hygienised feed (NPK content according to EU fertiliser regulation) and biogas co-substrates (≥ 70% of theoretical methane yield)