Team Members
Eric Katz, Katie Matton, Jonathan Luthy, and Mohammad Azimi Non-UM members include Viraj Sikand, Maya Faulstich-Hon, Lunalo Cletus Lunalo, Arjun Paunrana, and Catherine Hebson
Advisor
James Diana
Project Summary
Aquaculture (fish farming) is booming worldwide and has the potential to be the future of protein for humans. However, conventional feed for aquaculture farms is made from wild caught forage fish. These fish are caught using unsustainable practices that destroy marine habitat and harm many fishing communities. Aquaculture production in Kenya is currently at 48,000 metric tons and is expected to increase to 450,000 metric tons by 2030. Thus, the need to propose sustainable solutions to protect Kenya’s rural fishing villages. Also, most aquaculture farmers cannot afford to buy commercial fish food.
Kulisha produces a low-cost, commercial-grade fish feed made from insects. The organization supports economic development by revolutionizing fish feed in Kenya. This effort serves primarily small scale rural farmers. Kulisha is founded on the three targets of addressing a significantly underserved market segment in the aquaculture industry: supporting economic development, supporting growth in emerging markets, and creating environmentally sustainable solutions to food insecurity. With the Dow Distinguished Award Seed grant and additional funding, the students were able to complete a functional prototype facility and build relationships in Kenya for further growth. With additional Distinguished Awards funding, Kulisha will build a full size facility and start the sale of their project in summer 2016. Their first customer is anticipated to be a school for orphans in Meru, Kenya. This project was a co-winner of the larger 2016 Dow Distinguished Award.