Crikorama

What it does

Crikorama is a home cricket farming machine for protein-rich consumption. It enables continuous operation and harvesting, with restarts from previous generations' eggs, providing an endless protein source and a sustainable alternative to traditional meat.

Your inspiration

Crikorama emerged from a convergence of witnessing the unsustainable nature of traditional meat production and a deep passion for food and product design. Motivated by a commitment to address global challenges and a personal drive for sustainability, the idea was born. Crikorama manifests my conviction in the power of design to catalyze innovation and shape a sustainable future.

How it works

Crikorama is a compact, all-in-one system for at-home cricket farming. It supports the complete life cycle of crickets, from infancy to adulthood, enabling users to cultivate and consume crickets as a sustainable source of protein. The system is divided into specific sections for various stages of the cricket life cycle. It features a designated Egg Pod area for crickets to lay, incubate, and hatch eggs. It includes a food and water bar with a sponge for cricket hydration. Leftovers can be fed to the crickets. It has LED lights, a fan, and a heat pad for ideal farming. This allows easy cricket harvesting and a constant protein source. Crikorama is made from recyclable materials such as Polylactic Acid (PLA), Acrylic, and Steel. It is assembled with screws for easy disassembly, cleaning, or part replacement, promoting resource efficiency and conservation. It also curbs industrial livestock farming, reducing water use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Design process

The design journey of Crikorama started with detailed research into the nutritional and environmental benefits of eating crickets. This study recognized crickets as a staple food, given that 80% of the world already incorporates insects into their diet. Crickets are considered a superfood due to their exceptional nutritional profile, being rich in protein and providing essential amino acids. They also offer crucial nutrients such as iron, fibre, calcium, and B vitamins. After conducting research and consulting with insect experts, I emphasized the need for a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing cricket farming system in my design. Early prototypes, created using 3D printing technology, focused on basic functions such as the Egg Pod and feeding mechanisms, all while maintaining a strong focus on design aesthetics. The testing phase evaluated the electrical components' performance and 3D-printed parts' durability. Simultaneously, a study of cricket farming conditions informed design modifications for an optimal habitat. The feeding mechanism was revised multiple times to improve food delivery and nutritional accuracy, with key enhancements to the food and water bar and harvesting mechanism.

How it is different

Crikorama stands out due to its comprehensive approach to sustainable cricket farming. Crikorama introduces a compact at-home cricket farming system that covers the entire cricket lifecycle, from breeding to harvesting. Its all-in-one system design simplifies processes with features like the Egg Pod for laying and incubating, along with essential elements such as a food and water bar, LED lights, and temperature control. Crikorama efficiently turns feed into protein using minimal water, space, and energy. Its innovative, user-friendly design conserves resources and reduces carbon emissions. Crikorama's farm-to-fork model boosts sustainability by reducing transportation needs, offering a comprehensive solution for sustainable home protein production. Annually, replacing one meat meal a week with Crikorama's cricket-protein saves 104,000 liters of water, 200 square meters of land, and cuts 5-6 kg of CO2 emissions per meal.

Future plans

Moving forward, the focus is on enhancing Crikorama's accessibility and scalability. The aim is to refine its design for the market while maintaining its user-friendly nature. Additionally, there are plans to expand outreach to raise awareness about sustainable protein sources and promote the adoption of cricket farming at home. Collaborations with communities, restaurants and educational institutions are on the horizon to facilitate learning and engagement. Ultimately, the goal is to revolutionize protein production, empowering individuals worldwide to embrace sustainable practices for a healthier planet.

Awards

Crikorama has been nominated for the Phillips Innovation Award, Green Concept Award, and Melkweg Award.