The second edition of BSFCON, the world’s first international conference dedicated exclusively to the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), was held here in Cambridge from Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 September 2025.
Organised by insect industry leaders, Better Origin, FreezeM, and Innovafeed alongside the University of Cambridge, the event hosted researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and investors to explore the latest advances in insect science and commercialisation.
This year the Conference began with a dedicated Industry Day focused on markets, finance, regulation and innovation, highlighting the pressures the industry is under as well as the opportunities it presents.
The following two days featured sessions covering genetics, behaviour, nutrition, microbial interactions and production systems. Four exciting keynotes were delivered by Martin Zorilla of RePloid, Olympia Yarger of GoTerra, David Zillberman of UC Berkeley and Gianluca Tettamanti of University of Insubria.
Major highlights included, firstly a raw and honest keynote and panel on policy and lobbying from across regions, with Olympia Yarger showcasing a successful effort (and its challenges) at legalising BSF production in Australia. Secondly, Martin Zorilla introducing a new way of approaching heat production in rearing units.
The event had a strong emphasis on innovation, networking, and collaboration. BSFCON 2025 aimed to bridge science and industry to accelerate sustainable solutions in animal feed, aquaculture, waste management, and biofertilisers.