BigSis

The core of BigSis's technology involves the automated, individualized mass-rearing of male insects. These insects are then sterilized using X-rays and released on farms. The sterile males mate with wild females, which then produce no offspring, thereby suppressing the pest population throughout the season. This method is species-specific, non-toxic, non-GMO, and benign to pollinators and other beneficial insects, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides. BigSis's solutions have received approval for sale in England and four U.S. states (WA, OR, CA, and FL).

The company's business model is structured as an Insect Control as a Service (ICaaS), where growers subscribe to a season-long service that includes the on-farm releases of sterile males and crop monitoring. The first commercial solution targets the spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive fruit fly that causes significant damage to soft fruit and berry crops. Field trials have demonstrated high efficacy, with up to a 91% reduction in SWD populations in strawberries and up to an 88% reduction in raspberries compared to conventional insecticide use. BigSis operates through micro-production units located close to its customers to ensure efficient delivery. The company has successfully raised a total of $9.79 million over two funding rounds, including a Series A round led by Regenerate Ventures.