Insect Farming and Robotics: The Future of Food Waste Solutions

How can maggots and robots solve the global food waste crisis?

Join host Lucy Lin on Emerging Tech Unpacked as she sits down with Olympia Yarger, Founder and CEO of GOTERRA, the “Maggot Lady” herself, for an eye-opening conversation about insect farming, robotics, and the future of sustainable food waste solutions.

Discover how millions of maggots inside automated shipping containers are transforming food scraps from cities and businesses into valuable protein and fertiliser, closing the loop on waste and creating new opportunities for agriculture. We’ll unpack the deep tech behind these robotic insect farms, the urgent need for circular economy solutions, and the surprising challenges of disrupting a 500-year-old industry.

Learn about the trillion-dollar global food security challenge, the realities of building deep tech as a female founder, and why being outspoken can be a superpower in innovation. Whether you’re passionate about sustainability, curious about the future of food, or just love a story about unconventional problem-solving, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

*Don’t miss this fascinating and wriggly conversation! Subscribe to Emerging Tech Unpacked for more episodes on emerging technology, women in STEM, and career pathways in innovation.*

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*Chapters*

00:00 Introduction to the Global Food Crisis
01:08 Meet the Maggot Lady: Olympia Yarger
02:28 From Farming to Tech: Olympia's Journey
03:44 The Importance of Sustainability in Agriculture
07:38 Circular Economy Explained
11:54 The Role of Insects in Waste Management
15:53 Challenges and Innovations in Waste Management
29:46 Deep Tech and Fundraising Challenges
39:42 Cultural Bias Against Insects
40:21 Learning Without a Tech Background
42:50 Food Shortage Crisis by 2050
46:29 The Fight Against Climate Change
49:42 Challenges of Being a Female Founder
54:38 Being Outspoken Women
01:02:23 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
01:08:40 Exciting Future Technologies
01:10:08 Sustainability Tips and Final Thoughts