AquiNovo

AquiNovo, founded in 2015, develops proprietary, non-GMO, and non-hormonal growth enhancers for farmed fish to address the increasing demand for fish protein. The company's technology focuses on creating innovative feed additives that sustainably increase fish yields using the same resources. AquiNovo's products are based on targeted, synthetic, bioactive, and biodegradable peptides that improve both fish growth and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). This results in larger, meatier fish and better size distribution, providing farmers with more larger fish and fewer smaller fish.

The company's technology originated from research conducted at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where Professors Berta Levavi-Sivan and Chaim Gilon identified small molecules called Neurokinin B (NKB) and Neurokinin F (NKF) that play a crucial role in fish reproduction. AquiNovo developed molecules that neutralize the effect of NKB and NKF, inhibiting fish reproduction and consequently leading to increased growth rates. In trials, young tilapia fed these inhibitors in their food supply for two months gained 25% more weight compared to fish that did not receive the supplement.

AquiNovo's most advanced product under development is a peptide-based feed additive for tilapia, the second-largest farmed fish species. The efficacy and safety of this product have been demonstrated in mid- and large-scale studies conducted in Israel and Asia, involving hundreds to thousands of fish per experiment throughout a complete growth cycle. Safety studies have shown no adverse effects on fish health and no peptide accumulation in fish or water.

The company employs a unique, efficient peptide production system that enables commercial-scale production at low cost, allowing for scalability to meet market demand. As of 2019, the aquaculture industry was valued at USD 285 billion, with AquiNovo targeting over 44 million tonnes of farmed fish valued at over USD 140 billion in 2017. The company aims to develop additional products for salmon, carp, shrimp, and other high-value fish species in the future.