Volare Oy: Insect-Based Biotechnology for Europe’s Strategic Autonomy
Volare Oy is not a household name in Europe’s defense circles, yet this Finnish deep-tech venture embodies the continent’s drive for strategic autonomy in an unexpected domain[1]. From its laboratories in Finland, Volare has harnessed the humble black soldier fly to address a critical European vulnerability: dependence on imported protein. The company’s innovative technology transforms food industry waste into high-quality proteins, oils, and fertilizers[1]. This circular economy approach might seem far removed from missiles or cyber defenses, but it tackles strategic challenges at the root. By reducing Europe’s reliance on soybean imports and unsustainable raw materials, Volare strengthens supply chain resilience in a way that bolsters Europe’s broader security posture. The story of this VTT spin-off is a compelling example of how environmental innovation intersects with geopolitical strategy – a narrative that piques curiosity far beyond the agritech sector. How can insect larvae tie into Europe’s deterrence and autonomy ambitions? Volare’s journey from a research idea to a scalable solution offers intriguing insights into that question.