A multidisciplinary team from BUAP has founded Protavia, a biotech startup that produces functional foods made from crickets to combat child malnutrition.
Four students from the Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP) have launched Protavia, a biotech startup that converts crickets into functional foods to combat child malnutrition. The project, which originated in the classroom, has already been recognized in international competitions such as the Hult Prize Mexico 2026 and is supported by the Aspire Institute, linked to Harvard Business School.
From idea to product: cricket snacks with taco flavour
The founders —Eruviel Alejandro Olivares Rendón and Axel Alejandro Ramírez Martínez, from Biotechnology; Frida Lizet Guarneros Ramírez, from International Trade; and Alondra Terrazas Araoz, from SME Management— identified that crickets contain a high level of protein per serving, even surpassing red meat, and require less water and space for farming. From there, they designed modular farms to raise the insect and transform it into flour, which they then turn into snacks with flavours like taco, salt and lime, and fire (chili).
“We create snacks that appeal to both children and adults without sacrificing taste,” the entrepreneurs explain. The star product is the Protavia churritos, made with a blend of entomological and plant protein. The formula is already standardised and ready to scale.
Smart farms with remote monitoring
The Protavia model has evolved from simple modular farms to smart production environments. Each farm has four spaces where parameters such as food, light, humidity, and temperature are controlled via sensors, all managed from an application. The goal is to commercialise these systems in the Agrotech sector, allowing small producers to access low-cost technology.
“At Protavia, we encompass several objectives with a unique traceability, as we transition from just flours to a Foodtech and Agrotech scheme,” the founders assert. The project also offers a personalised guide with real data collected during monitoring, facilitating technology transfer.
Awards and international projection
Protavia has been awarded in the Hult Prize Mexico 2026 competition and recognised by Harvard's Aspire Institute. They also participated in the Walmart Agro day Fest 2026 and will present at the finals of the Enactus AgroYouth 2026 in Mexico City next August. These achievements demonstrate the potential of an idea that combines innovation, sustainability, and the fight against malnutrition.
As part of their comprehensive model, the students have created Seeds of the Future, an initiative that offers free nutritional education workshops in primary and secondary schools, where they also give away samples of the snacks. “We build food awareness from an early age,” they state.
For entrepreneurs interested in the sector, Protavia represents an example of how biotechnology can be applied to social problems with a viable business model. Those interested in learning more about the modular farms or the products can follow the team's journey at upcoming Enactus events.
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