SWOT Analysis

To gain a deeper understanding of the strengths and challenges of our project, we conducted a SWOT analysis. This tool allows us to evaluate the internal and external factors that may influence the success of our product. We aim to be better equipped to strengthen our positioning within the bio-based waste management sector and address potential risks during development and commercialization.

SWOT Analysis Diagram

ERRC Grid

Risk Analysis

The development timeline outlined in our business and product development roadmap is ideal, but it might face unexpected challenges due to technical and operational risks. As with many biotech startups, problems can form during the transition from lab research to real applications.

The first risk lies in laboratory optimization and yield consistency. While preliminary results support the effectiveness of the YebF-facilitated secretion system, enzyme output levels may vary under different growth conditions or expression hosts. A delay in optimizing yield could stall downstream testing. To mitigate this, we will conduct parallel testing with multiple E. coli strains and secretion constructs, while setting performance benchmarks for enzyme recovery and activity early in the development process.

The second risk involves scaling up purification. While YebF improves secretion, maintaining enzyme quality and activity at pilot and industrial scales is not guaranteed. Enzyme degradation during recovery or formulation could limit effectiveness. We will conduct early pilot-scale runs to identify issues in cost, purity, and stability. If needed, we will adjust fermentation conditions or add post-processing steps.

Third, real-world integration with BSFL systems adds environmental uncertainty. Variations in food waste composition, temperature, or microbial competition may reduce enzyme performance. To address this, we will conduct field trials with BSFL farms using different substrates. If efficacy declines, we will analyze performance data to identify key limiting factors, then iteratively adjust enzyme concentration, modify application intervals, or develop region-specific formulations based on local environmental parameters.

Conclusion

The market analysis has highlighted a critical and growing challenge in Taiwan's circular economy: the inefficiency in processing cellulose-rich food waste through BSFL systems. This inefficiency limits protein yield, slows bioconversion, and creates operational bottlenecks for both public and private waste processors. LarVase offers an enzyme-based solution to overcome these barriers, which is scientifically robust, economically viable, and environmentally beneficial.

Our product (purified cellulolytic enzyme produced using a YebF-assisted secretion pathway) avoids the high purification costs common to enzyme production. This positions us to supply the BSFL industry with an affordable, scalable additive that enhances larval digestion of fibrous waste, thereby improving waste reduction rates and feed conversion efficiency. Through strategic market segmentation, we have identified two primary deployment models: integration with existing BSFL biowaste infrastructure, or targeted collaborations with municipal food waste contractors and agri-tech startups. The financial models show that even a modest increase in conversion efficiency can translate into significant economic and environmental gains. Ultimately, LarVase has the potential to transform how food waste is managed in Taiwan and beyond, turning organic refuse into sustainable value while reducing environmental harm.