Orbisk

Netherland’s Orbisk (previously known as Zero Food Waste), offers an AI-based food waste monitoring system to monitor and reduce food waste, primarily for the hospitality sector (including foodservice operators, restaurants, and hotels). The system collects data on food being thrown away using cameras mounted on top of waste bins and a scale to weigh the amount of food being discarded. Using AI, Orbisk identifies and analyzes the type of food being thrown. The system also uses algorithms, with the assistance of data company, Sama, to provide insights on waste levels and predict potential food waste levels, associated CO2 emissions, and how they can be reduced. This system can be used during both pre-preparation (while cooking) and post-preparation (leftovers in dishes after food has been consumed) stages.

The company brought its food waste monitoring system to market within two years of being established. In August 2020, the company was selected out of 378 applicants for the “Food Fight'' project organized by the EuroStars program, to form an international consortium, with two other selected companies: Aivero (3D video streaming company) and Eaternity (food labeling organization) to fight against food waste. Via the program, Orbisk secured a grant of EUR 1.2 million (USD 1.4 million), which primarily supported the commercialization of its product.

As of August 2021, Orbisk’s solution was being used by 50 restaurants primarily across Europe. Some of the known customers include Ramada by Wyndham, Accor, Albron, Bilderberg, The Student Hotel, Vermaat, and Appelin. The company claims that its customers are able to reduce food waste by up to 70% by using its monitoring system. The company also reports that it has the capacity to run 200 systems with the potential to 500 when demand comes through.

In addition, Orbisk secured a partnership with Unilever Food Solutions in November 2020 to support Unilever's goal to cut food waste occurring through activities from the factory to the shelf by half by 2025. In August 2021, the company raised EUR 1.05 million (USD 1.23 million) in a seed funding round led by FoodSparks (by PeakBridge). The company expects to use the funds to develop its AI-based food waste prevention solution, scale distribution to international markets, and achieve its target of launching its system in 500 kitchens by the end of 2021.

Orbisk also secured EUR 2.4 million (approximately USD 2.78 million) in grants from the European Commission’s European Innovation Council (EIC), upon being selected to enter the latter’s Accelerator Program in October 2021. The funds were expected to be utilized to scale its operations internationally and continue research and development to improve its platform and AI model. Orbisk aims to increase accuracy in predicting potential food waste levels and targets, saving around 100 million kg of food waste per year in professional kitchens by 2025.