Green Talents Moment✨: Meet Sylvine Wong, CEO and Co-Founder of BSF Innovation Limited
- CI Team
- Aug 28, 2025
- 5 min read
The insect industry has captured headlines as the next breakthrough in sustainable protein production. The market for insect protein was valued at nearly $500 million in 2023 and is projected to surge with a compound annual growth rate of 15–30% through 2030, fueled by demand for eco-friendly protein in animal feed, pet food, and niche applications.
Riding the crest of this new food wave, several entrepreneurs in Hong Kong are harnessing black soldier flies to promote a circular economy. We had a chat with Sylvine Wong, CEO and co-founder of BSF Innovation Limited, about her entrepreneurial journey.
1. Can you share your journey of becoming a green entrepreneur?
Prior to being an entrepreneur, I have been managing Project and Administration serving for different non-government organizations and technology companies. This role demanded meticulous attention to detail, through management of projects and programs, online platforms, and user inquiries. However, my inner voice wanted to explore new horizons and establish ventures of my own.
Through a chance in managing a sustainable tech project, I came across an amazing insect - Black Soldier Flies (BSF) and was intrigued by its potential to transform organic waste into valuable resources. Recognizing its significant applicability in Hong Kong, I sought to develop an innovative approach to food waste management. While traditional methods such as anaerobic digestion and incineration exist, I aimed to upcycle food waste into high-value products, such as animal feed, cosmetics and even construction materials.
With strong determination, we successfully applied for the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP)’'s Incubation Programme in April 2023, 6 months after establishment of BSF Innovation Limited. Beyond representing the initials of "Black Soldier Fly," BSF also signifies "Best Sustainable Formula," reflecting our commitment to delivering cutting-edge decarbonization solutions through innovation and nature - based solutions (NbS).
2. What are black soldier flies and what is the hype about it?
If yellow mealworms are our allies in combating plastic waste, then black soldier flies are our allies in valorizing food waste. The Black Soldier Fly (BSF), an insect of the order Diptera akin to the common fly, has a short lifespan of 40–45 days. During the larval stage, they are voracious eaters, capable of consuming food twice their body weight per day. They excrete frass, which can serve as organic fertilizer. The chitin in their cocoons and shed skins can be extracted and processed into chitosan, to create films or bio-packaging materials like straws. Once they reach adulthood, they can be considered retired, focusing on mating, laying eggs, and eventually dying.
Thus, food waste holds greater value than we commonly perceive. When integrated with Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology, it unlocks significant business opportunities. I am eager to explore its potential in Hong Kong.
3. What do you do as a CEO of BSF Innovation Limited?
As a startup, we face a multitude of tasks to kickstart our entrepreneurial journey. These range from strategic planning and negotiating partnerships to developing BSF by-products, such as Waste2Build (a construction material made from BSF and concrete powder) and Fruit2Feed (pet food crafted from Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL), with many tasks requiring hands-on effort.
Much like beekeepers, we are “BSF keepers,” raising black soldier flies at our farm in San Tin. This involves constructing a “nursery” for adults to lay eggs, feeding larvae, and optimizing the environment for them to thrive. This role suits individuals who love nature and have green fingers!
I also oversee education and outreach for schools and communities. We organize site visits at our farm, allowing participants to experience a day as a “BSF Keeper.” Education is vital in addressing the negative stereotypes and “yuck” factor associated with insects. The younger generation proves more open-minded and eager to learn. Hence, we have come up with Eeatie, a broom-riding black soldier fly witch as our mascot.
Additionally, we have developed BBOX, our patented machine that upcycles food waste on-site using black soldier fly technology, integrated with automation and IoT. This innovation tackles issues like odor and wastewater generation. Recently, we are thrilled that BBOX has gone international, being adopted by FleurDeChine Hotel near Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, Taiwan.
4. What green skills do you acquire to help prepare for the role?
It’s like feeling the rocks as you cross a river—identifying gaps in your knowledge and finding solutions. I usually take reference from academic journals on construction materials and BSFL, as well as its applications in the agricultural sectors. It turns out that insect farming is more technical than you think. We need to optimize the environment - such as temperature, humidity and ventilation to ensure ideal conditions for their growth.
I also completed courses with the UK Energy Institute to become a certified carbon auditor, a skill that proves invaluable in measuring the carbon footprint of my products. Additionally, I am an ICSD Certified ESG Planner (CEP®), enabling me to draft reports on sustainability performances effectively.
As skills are transferable, there’s no need to be fixated on your background and assume you cannot switch to another career field. I can leverage my expertise in communications, project management, and law to support my company’s operations.
5. What are the qualities to become a green entrepreneur?
I would say to remain persistent in your beliefs. There would always be resistance from stakeholders and skepticism over the return on investment. When you feel tired and lost, it’s perfectly fine to take a break and reflect on why you started this journey—such moments may offer fresh perspectives and new directions. At times, the sheer volume of challenges or tasks can feel overwhelming, much like a game of whack-a-mole, but prioritization is key. I would advise fellow entrepreneurs to stay updated with green trends, so you can pivot before it is too late.
6. Is Hong Kong a suitable place to be an entrepreneur, particularly starting a green business? What advice would you offer?
Hong Kong is an excellent hub for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering numerous incubation opportunities through the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Cyberport, university competitions, and various funding options to explore. I recommend considering the HKSTP Ideation Fund or the Alibaba Entrepreneur Fund if you’re looking to launch your business. These programs provide comprehensive support, including mentorship and networking opportunities.
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Thank you Sylvine for sharing your story! There are many nature-based solutions to tackle climate change and waste management challenges. Black Soldier Fly, albeit a tiny insect, is a force to be reckoned with - ticking the boxes for both decarbonization and tangible business opportunities.
Interviewed and written by: Alice Chuck
Edited by: Jessica Wong