Modern agriculture, including aquaculture, faces large-scale challenges that require an integrated approach to development. The task is not limited to the creation of innovative technologies, but includes the entire production cycle - from the inception of an idea to the appearance of a finished, safe, healthy and tasty product on the shelf. Intensive exploitation of natural resources poses a threat to the ecological balance, which actualizes the need to transition to sustainable farming methods. This involves the development of new varieties of plants and breeds of animals, the improvement of agricultural technologies, the introduction of innovative systems for storing and processing products that minimize losses and negative impacts on the environment.
The Skolkovo Foundation, recognizing this need, is reorienting its strategy from focusing on individual startups to supporting the entire production cycle, striving to educate technological leaders capable of ensuring food security for the country.
In the context of the national goals outlined by the state, the development of aquaculture is becoming especially relevant. Plans to increase aquaculture production from 400 thousand tons to 618 thousand tons by 2030, as well as to increase per capita fish consumption from 21 kg to 28 kg require significant investment and innovation.
One of the most critical points is the dependence on imported fish feed, the share of which today is about 80%. This creates risks for the stability of the industry and makes it vulnerable to external factors.
Therefore, the creation of a domestic leader in the production of high-quality extruded feed for valuable fish species is not just a business idea, but a strategic task of national scale. The project to create such a leader will solve several problems at once. Firstly, it will provide domestic aquaculture with high-quality feed necessary for the intensive cultivation of valuable fish species rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (group B, D) and minerals (potassium, phosphorus). These substances play a key role in maintaining human health, strengthening the cardiovascular system, immunity and cognitive functions. Fish consumption, especially fatty fish, has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, depression and some cancers. Secondly, the project will reduce dependence on imports, increasing the country's food security and creating new jobs. Moreover, the production of extruded feeds can itself become an innovative sector, stimulating the development of related industries, such as the production of extrusion equipment, the development of new feed recipes taking into account the specific needs of different fish species, as well as research in the field of aquaculture and rational nutrition. It is important to note that the development of such feeds requires a deep scientific approach. It is necessary to take into account the physiological characteristics of different fish species, their nutrient needs at different stages of growth, and to develop recipes that ensure maximum digestibility of nutrients and minimize waste.
This will require cooperation with ichthyologists, biologists, chemical engineers and food safety specialists. The development of quality control at all stages - from the purchase of raw materials to the packaging of finished products - is an integral part of the project.
Strict adherence to sanitary standards and the use of safe ingredients guarantee high quality feed and product safety for the consumer. In addition, it is necessary to develop an effective logistics and distribution system that ensures the delivery of feed in the right volume and at the right time to fish farming sites across the country.
In the long term, the success of this project will contribute not only to the growth of aquaculture production volumes, but also to improving the quality of life of the population by increasing the availability of healthy food products. This, in turn, will contribute to strengthening the health of the nation and the economic development of the country.
The inclusion of digitalization elements in the project, such as monitoring feed parameters and fish condition using sensors and big data analysis, will optimize production, increase efficiency and reduce costs.
Agro Foundation "Skolkovo" Technoprom in Novosibirsk. "Technological leadership"