nir-vana innovation network

The French company started its development in 2019.

The project is rooted in the desire to work in a field that respects the environment and favours short circuits. The idea of the project starts with the following observation : the soils are degrading, both in terms of biodiversity and agronomic qualities. As a result of several decades of a policy of using synthetic fertilizers and phytosanitary products in high doses, soils are leached and lose their capacity to properly nourish plants, resulting in crop yields that have levelled off and are predisposed to attacks by pathogenic diseases and pests.

The company's main goal is to bring on the market an alternative to standard bio-fertilizer. The approach is based on the used of a bioprocess named lombricomposting that enables to produce biostimulant that are more respectful of the environment.

With the development of greener farming practices, the company is moving towards the production and marketing of high value-added liquid products that are 100% natural and can be used in organic agriculture. By developing a range of fertilizers and biostimulants according to the type of crops targeted, the company offers the possibility to farmers, individuals and market gardeners to move towards new production systems that are economical in phytosanitary products.

The SME is also engaged in agrofood trading activities such as the sale of melasses and beet pulp to meet its customers' needs for various organic materials.

Moreover, this company is the only one in France to use and install continuous flow vermicomposting systems. The installations can be of different capacities, ranging from industrial systems to local solutions.

In order to expand its activity outside France and to increase its sales turnover, the company is now searching for new partners abroad. Partnerships considered could be either :
- distribution services agreements in case partner buys company's products and sell them directly via its networks
- commercial agency agreements in case of interest for both products and installations of continuous flow vermicomposting systems.

Advantages & innovations

Product quality compared to competitors (nutrients and savings in phytosanitary products) SME positions itself as an expert in the earthworm it uses : - As a recycler of organic waste : To contribute to the preservation of the environment and the local economy, the company reprocesses local waste using an innovative continuous flow vermicomposting method. Through this method, composting worms digest selected organic materials into a natural organic amendment, vermicompost. Research and Development efforts on this complex method have led the SME to expand its scope of application by offering local vermicomposters based on this same continuous flow principle. Within the framework of the European directive of 2023 providing for the collection and reprocessing of bio-waste at source, local authorities will have to organize themselves to develop adapted, low-cost and energy-efficient methods. The company is responding to this demand by offering to recycle organic waste in an ethical and eco-responsible manner. The development of continuous flow vermicomposting lines for bio-waste producers allows them to recycle them thanks to the know-how of earthworms. - As producer of the oldest and most successful fertilizer in the world : The most ambitious part of this project is the development and production of natural fertilizers and biostimulants. After months of research and development, The SME was able to apply its technical knowledge to a process for the extraction of micro and macroelements present in solid vermicompost and the multiplication of microorganisms. In addition to being natural and usable in organic agriculture, the latter has higher fertilizing and protective properties than solid vermicompost.

Stage of development

Project already started

Partner sought

The company is looking for new partners : - traders (buyers and sellers) in the agrofood industry interested in innovative biosimulants and the sale of melasses and beet pulp. - Ministries of agriculture interested in promoting these ethical and eco-responsible products and methods in their country - commercial agents can also be considered to represent products and installations of continuous flow vermicomposting systems.