Loopworm: Turning Silkworms into the Next Generation of Biofactories
October 28, 2026 | Wednesday | Features
What if silkworms could do more than produce silk? Loopworm is reimagining these biological systems as miniature biofactories capable of producing sustainable protein ingredients and high-value recombinant proteins. Founded by Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri, the company is bridging insect biotechnology and industrial biomanufacturing, with ambitions spanning animal nutrition, diagnostics, enzymes and life sciences.
Problem
Conventional animal-feed proteins can place pressure on marine resources and land use, while recombinant protein production can require expensive infrastructure and complex manufacturing processes. Loopworm aims to address both challenges through silkworm-based production systems that use India's established sericulture ecosystem.
Product
Loopworm produces insect-derived protein meals and oils for aquaculture, livestock and pet nutrition. Its LoopBac protein-expression platform also uses silkworm biotechnology to develop recombinant proteins for applications including diagnostics, vaccines, enzymes and research.
Proof
Loopworm reports operating a 6,000-metric-tonne-per-annum animal-nutrition facility near Bengaluru and exporting products internationally. On 9 September 2026, the company reported a 60-member team, operations across more than 10 countries and positive cash flow from its animal-nutrition business. It also cites an independent life-cycle assessment reporting the removal of 2.56 kg of CO₂-equivalent emissions per kilogram of its silkworm-based ingredients, on a cradle-to-gate basis.
People
Loopworm was co-founded by Ankit Alok Bagaria, CEO, and Abhi Gawri, COO, both IIT Roorkee alumni. Their team combines biotechnology, insect farming, process engineering and protein science to develop commercially scalable biomanufacturing solutions.
Purse
Loopworm states that it has raised $6.25 million in total funding as of its 9 September 2026 company update. Its disclosed pre-Series A round of $3.25 million was led by WaterBridge Ventures and Japan-based ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL; the company is using its established animal-nutrition business as a foundation for advancing recombinant protein production.
Plan
Loopworm plans to scale its silkworm-based recombinant protein platform for diagnostic reagents, specialty enzymes and research applications, with therapeutics as a longer-term opportunity. It is building on its existing manufacturing infrastructure and international distribution network to expand into higher-value life sciences markets.
Why it matters:
Loopworm is demonstrating how insect biotechnology can serve both sustainable nutrition and advanced biomanufacturing. By developing a silkworm-based platform for protein production, it aims to reduce dependence on conventional manufacturing systems and strengthen India's capabilities in affordable, scalable biotechnology.
FAST FACTS
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Category
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Details
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Company
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Loopworm Private Limited
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Founded
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2019
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Headquarters
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Bengaluru, Karnataka
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Industry
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Insect biotechnology, sustainable proteins, biomanufacturing
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Founders
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Ankit Alok Bagaria and Abhi Gawri
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Core platform
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Silkworm-based protein production
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Key offerings
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Insect protein meals, oils and recombinant proteins
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Manufacturing capacity
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Approximately 6,000 metric tonnes annually
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Total funding
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$6.25 million, as reported by the company on 9 September 2026
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Pre-Series A
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$3.25 million; led by WaterBridge Ventures and ENRISSION INDIA CAPITAL
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Certifications listed
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ISO 22000, HACCP, EU TRACES and CAA
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International footprint
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10+ countries across four continents, as reported by the company
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Next
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Scale recombinant protein production and expand life sciences applications
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Disclaimer: This profile is based on publicly available company information and official disclosures reviewed as of 28 October 2026.
