Founded by serial entrepreneur Ykä Marjanen, Manna Insect is redefining the sustainable agriculture landscape through insect-based animal feed solutions that not only benefit the environment but also contribute to social impact and inclusivity on a global scale. Ykä’s journey from hardcore tech entrepreneur to sustainability-focused innovator has shaped the approach of Manna Insect, which emphasizes social equality and solving large-scale problems with impactful solutions.
From Engineering to Agriculture: A Shift in Perspective
Ykä Marjanen’s entrepreneurial evolution is a key part of Manna Insect’s story. Initially focused on solving technical problems with hardcore engineering, Ykä’s perspective shifted to a broader focus on systemic issues. Manna Insect was born out of the realization that one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture globally is the cost and accessibility of animal feed. This insight led Ykä to explore black soldier fly larvae as an alternative feed ingredient—a solution that has proven to be not only more sustainable but also more affordable than conventional soy-based feed.

Manna Insect aims to make insect-based protein an economically viable substitute for soy in the animal feed industry, especially for farmers in developing countries. By focusing on affordability and scalability, Manna Insect offers farmers a cost-effective way to feed livestock without relying on expensive and environmentally harmful imports.
Emphasizing Inclusivity in Problem-Solving
One of the standout features of Manna Insect’s approach is its emphasis on inclusivity—both in terms of the markets it serves and the people it employs. Manna Insect has deployed its feed solutions across five continents, including regions like Africa, India, and South America, where conventional feed sources are either too expensive or inaccessible. By targeting these markets, Manna Insect empowers farmers who often face economic challenges, giving them access to affordable, sustainable feed options.
In building Manna Insect, Ykä deliberately cultivated a diverse and inclusive company culture. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs from different nationalities and backgrounds, Manna Insect values practical skills and enthusiasm over formal qualifications. This meritocratic approach ensures that individuals from all walks of life have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow within the company. As Ykä says, “It’s not about formal education; it’s about attitude and enthusiasm.” The team’s willingness to learn new skills, whether in biology, engineering, or AI, exemplifies Manna Insect’s commitment to adaptability and inclusivity.
A Focus on Practical Innovation
Manna Insect is also unique in its development approach—it combines hardware, software, and biological processes to create innovative solutions. The “Manna Mind,” a key product, exemplifies their focus on making technology practical and accessible. Unlike many startups that develop technologies first and seek a market later, Manna Insect prioritizes understanding the needs of insect farmers and tailors its innovations accordingly. This approach has allowed Manna Insect to stand out as one of the few companies in the insect industry genuinely aiming to make insect-based protein cost-competitive with soy.
Failing Fast, Succeeding Faster
The culture at Manna Insect revolves around the philosophy of “failing fast.” Ykä and his team embrace failure as an essential part of the learning process. They focus on rapid experimentation, allowing them to quickly determine whether an idea is worth pursuing. This approach not only saves time and resources but also accelerates innovation—a critical advantage in the fast-evolving field of sustainable agriculture. The team’s openness to trying new ideas and learning from failure has been instrumental in their journey toward creating a viable, scalable product.
Social Impact and a Sustainable Future
Beyond just profitability, Manna Insect is driven by a desire to create social impact. By localizing feed production, reducing dependence on imports, and utilizing local biowaste streams, Manna Insect is helping farmers achieve greater self-sufficiency and sustainability. This business model not only benefits the environment but also empowers local communities by creating more stable and affordable food production systems.
Manna Insect has also consciously chosen not to rely on charity or grant funding. Instead, they aim to build a commercially sustainable model that can be scaled globally—particularly in developing regions where affordable feed can make a significant difference to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers. The goal is to create tens of thousands of insect-farming units that can operate independently, without needing continued external support, thereby ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
The Future of Sustainable Agriculture
Manna Insect’s success story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to inclusivity and social impact. Ykä Marjanen and his team have shown that with the right mindset, it is possible to tackle some of the most pressing issues in agriculture while creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to thrive. By combining technological innovation with a mission-driven approach, Manna Insect is paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future in agriculture—one insect at a time.
Watch the story and get inspired:
The story is translated into several languages (e.g. English, Norwegian, Turkish, Slovak, Arabic, Spanish, Italian). Regardless of your language skills, Inspiring the Minds reaches you. Inclusion is our core value. To read the subtitles in your preferred language, simply follow the instructions below: 1) Activate Closed Captions (CC): At the bottom bar of the video player, locate the “cc” button. Click on it to activate closed captions. 2) Choose Your Language: Once you’ve activated closed captions, click on the settings icon (usually represented by a gear or cogwheel) within the video player. From the settings menu, select your preferred language from the available options.
Read the presentation: