Residua Biocircular is a biotechnology startup from Latin America, pioneering the application of the circular economy model to address the growing issue of organic waste in the agricultural and industrial sectors. By leveraging insect-based waste treatment technology, the startup has developed a closed-loop system that transforms agricultural by-products into three high-value product streams: protein powder for animal feed, nutritional oil, and organic fertilizer that helps regenerate arable land.
Unlike traditional protein supply chains such as soy or fishmeal—which are resource-intensive and generate significant greenhouse gas emissions—Residua Biocircular’s solution significantly reduces carbon emissions while providing a sustainable alternative protein source for the livestock industry. The startup’s technology harnesses the rapid biomass accumulation capacity of insects to digest agricultural waste, creating a closed biological cycle that not only treats waste effectively but also improves soil health and enhances agricultural productivity over time.
What sets Residua Biocircular apart is that its model has moved beyond the experimental phase and has already demonstrated commercial viability. The startup has generated real revenue, signed commercial contracts with major agricultural businesses in the region, and successfully implemented several pilot projects. This success is in part due to their continuous refinement of both technology and operations—advancing from the initial minimum viable product (MVP) to full-scale deployment.
The expansion journey of Residua Biocircular has also been supported by international initiatives. Participation in the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025 provided the company with valuable opportunities to connect with global networks in investment, research, and development within the circular economy space. At the event, the startup not only established its brand presence on the international stage but also forged strategic partnerships with organizations seeking effective organic waste recycling solutions. In addition to P4G, Residua Biocircular has been part of green enterprise acceleration programs and has received technical support from regional research institutes.
While the model pursued by Residua Biocircular is not entirely novel, its technological approach and operational flexibility tailored to local conditions make it distinctive. Compared to traditional organic waste treatment methods such as vermicomposting or microbial composting, Residua Biocircular‘s technology offers shorter processing times, faster scalability, and higher-value output products. The integration of biotechnology into the agricultural value chain represents a breakthrough not only in waste treatment but also in developing a circular agricultural ecosystem—an objective many countries are striving toward as part of their green growth strategies.
One of the key lessons to be drawn from Residua Biocircular is the importance of identifying the right problem to solve and building a technology solution from an ecosystem perspective. Rather than focusing solely on optimizing individual performance metrics, the startup adopts a holistic approach—addressing emissions reduction, soil regeneration, and sustainable animal feed supply. This strategy has helped them gain support from stakeholders including regulatory bodies, investors, and traditional agribusinesses.
For founders developing startups in the sustainable technology sector, the story of Residua Biocircular is a clear demonstration of the importance of creating multi-layered value across the product chain. Strong technology is essential, but it is the alignment with the ecosystem, operational adaptability, and a well-defined sustainable value proposition that ultimately determine a startup’s long-term viability and ability to scale.
