A female-founded SME in London is pioneering the way for global food waste elimination, thanks to support from NatWest.

Biotechnology firm IntelliDigest was founded by Dr Ifeyinwa Kanu in 2016. Made up of academics and experts in food production, the business uses cutting-edge research, technology and market knowledge to promote a circular economy every stage of the food chain, from farming to disposal.

IntelliDigest has also developed new methods to enhance the recovery of bio-nutrients and bio-chemicals from inedible food waste. The company’s innovative and nature-inspired solution, known as iDigest, can be used anywhere that food waste is produced – from households and offices to schools, hospitals, hotels and restaurants.

The bio-nutrients recovered can then be used to grow nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. While other recovered bio-chemicals can be used to produce biodegradable packaging and solar cells, which enhance the sustainability of the food system.

IntelliDigest received funding through NatWest’s Back her Business last year, a £1M initiative to assist female start-ups in the UK.

The business is one of six million UK SMEs that could help to achieve half of the UK’s net-zero decarbonisation goals, according to NatWest’s new Springboard to Sustainability Report, which was launched to explore the UK’s business sector in the wake of Covid-19. The report also found that with the right funding, knowledge and training, SMEs could create up to 130,000 new jobs, produce around 30,000 new businesses resulting in an estimated £160 billion opportunity for the UK economy.

With growing demand for solutions to the global climate crisis, IntelliDigest now plans to scale its operations across the UK and enter new markets including Americas, APAC and Africa during the next 12 months.

The company also recently launched its ‘Plan to Save’ campaign – a groundbreaking initiative to help localise and improve food production practices in the UK. The campaign encourages consumers to sign up to reserve their weekly, fortnightly or monthly fresh food requirements, with IntelliDigest taking the responsibility to then source the requirements from local farmers.

Dr Ifeyinwa Kanu, CEO and founder at IntelliDigest, said: “Transitioning to a circular economy will be key to the UK’s net-zero targets and we’re proud to be one of the many businesses across the UK helping to meet this aim.

“NatWest’s recent report shows the power that individual businesses can have when it comes to sustainability – something that’s core to our own ethos and mission. We look forward to continuing to support businesses and individuals across the UK and beyond, to eradicate food waste and its impact on our planet.”