In a proud moment for Odisha, Bhubaneswar-based biotech startup Elmentoz Research took center stage at the Startup Mahakumbh Grand Challenge Award 2025 held in Delhi. The company was honored by Union Minister Piyush Goyal for developing a revolutionary, antibiotic-free animal feed technology that could redefine how we nourish farm animals while protecting human health at the same time.
What’s So Special About Elmentoz’s Technology?
Elmentoz Research isn’t just another biotech firm. What sets them apart is their mission: to eliminate the use of antibiotics in animal feed.
Why does that matter?
Because the overuse of antibiotics in animals leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR)—a growing global crisis- when farm animals consume antibiotics, traces of those drugs pass into the food chain, making their way into the human body. Over time, this weakens the effectiveness of antibiotics in humans. The World Health Organization considers AMR one of the biggest threats to public health today.
Elmentoz aims to break this dangerous cycle by creating natural, antibiotic-free, immune-boosting feed for livestock. And they’re doing it in a pretty remarkable way—using insects.
From Waste to Wonder: The Science Behind Elmentoz
At the heart of Elmentoz’s innovation is the Black Soldier Fly (BSF)—a tiny insect with massive potential. The company uses BSF biotechnology to convert organic waste (like food scraps) into valuable products:
- High-protein insect meal for animal feed
- Insect oil as a natural feed additive
- Biofertilizer for crops
The protein is especially powerful because it contains antimicrobial peptides—natural compounds that help fight diseases, just like antibiotics, but without the side effects. This makes the feed not only nutritious but also protective against infections in animals.
Meet the Minds Behind the Mission
Dr. Jayashankar Das, the founder of Elmentoz, is a homegrown hero from Cuttack’s Chauliaganj area. With a PhD in Biotechnology and a Gold Medal for Excellence from none other than Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Das has always combined scientific depth with social purpose. He has published over 80 high-impact scientific papers, holds 8 patents, and has authored 8 books.
His co-founder, Dr. Padmaja Mohanty, serves as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With a PhD from Gujarat University and deep expertise in metabolic engineering and animal immunity, she’s the scientific powerhouse driving the company’s core innovations. Her work in biological disease control and antimicrobial peptide design is what makes their feed truly next-gen.
The Future of Poultry & Aquafeed is Here
Elmentoz’s products are tailored for:
- Poultry (chickens, etc.)
- Aquaculture (fish and shrimp)
- Pet food industry
These smart protein feeds are designed to:
- Improve animal immunity naturally
- Replace harmful antibiotics
- Lower feed production costs
- Promote sustainability in farming
It’s a win-win: healthier animals, safer food, and a greener planet.
As the founders put it, this isn’t just a feed upgrade—it’s a complete shift in how India thinks about livestock nutrition. If scaled up, Elmentoz could help India lead the global movement toward antibiotic-free, eco-friendly animal farming.
Why This Matters
Elmentoz’s recognition at Startup Mahakumbh 2025 isn’t just a win for the startup—it’s a spotlight on India’s potential in deeptech and sustainable agriculture. With the right support, such homegrown innovations can solve global problems and protect generations to come.
