Terratis is making waves against the tiger mosquito
Following an assessment and proposal by the University Innovation Cluster led by the University of Montpellier, BPI France announced during the "4 Years of the DeepTech Plan" event on March 28 the first BFT Lab pre-selection in favor of Terratis, a future Montpellier-based start-up. Deployed by the French government, this grant is intended for pre-creation projects within PUIs that are undergoing technical pre-maturation/maturation, in order to enable them to accelerate their access to the market. For Terratis, the BFT Lab will promote the implementation and industrialization of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) in France. Developed in Réunion by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), this method of controlling the tiger mosquito can also be used on agricultural pests of interest to the Occitanie region.
Behind the scenes of a pre-selection process
Reducing the mosquito population... by releasing mosquitoes. This is the principle behind TIS, which aims to combat Aedes albopictus in particular by releasing pre-sterilized males. This technology is attracting interest at the national level with the initial selection of the future Montpellier-based start-up Terratis to receive this grant, which complements the technological development initiative supported and financed by SATT AxLR to the tune of €850k. BFT Lab supports project leaders accompanied by member institutions of the Montpellier PUI (University Hospital Institute) with the University of Montpellier, the world's third-ranked university in the field of ecology.
This national first is a prime example of the UM's ability to bring together all innovation stakeholders within the Montpellier University Hospital (PUI) to support and assist our laboratories in promoting their research. Terratis, co-founded and led by Clelia Oliva, has thus been able to benefit from all the expertise developed and amplified within the PUI, which is now complemented by this BFT Lab.
This wonderful recognition by BPI France strongly motivates the University of Montpellier to continue its work and commitment to offering the State a vision of the territorial innovation dynamic developed in Montpellier.
"Montpellier is a major research hub that has given rise to a large number of innovative startups. It's a real springboard for a young company like ours, which is part of the Med Vallée dynamic. We benefit from technology transfer through the IRD and strong links with teams based in Montpellier, which are key to the solid implementation of TIS and the success of the company," says Clelia Oliva, co-founder and director of Terratis.
TIS serving communities and large private spaces
Terratis is working on the industrialization of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) for its future deployment in France. This technique makes it possible to gradually reduce tiger mosquito populations in a given area by interfering with their reproductive cycle. Since male mosquitoes do not bite, the technique simply involves releasing sterilized males so that they mate with wild females, thereby blocking their reproduction.
"With insects doing all the work naturally and without defined areas, this approach benefits all citizens. Its effectiveness has already been proven in several territories. On Reunion Island, the proof of concept conducted by the IRD in 2022 reduced fertility by 60% across an entire neighborhood. We are working with stakeholders in the region to use this ecological and more targeted solution to complement traditional tiger mosquito control tools, once our mass breeding farm project is operational in 2028," adds Clelia Oliva.
For communities, large private spaces such as campsites or leisure parks, or even airports, the positive impacts will be considerable in terms of reducing costs related to nuisance and health risks, but also in terms of improving quality of life.
"This ambitious business project, unique in France, has come to fruition thanks to the support and guidance of Montpellier's innovation and research ecosystem, in particular the University of Montpellier and its INITIUM incubator, the Montpellier BIC, SATT AxLR, IRD, and INRAE, as well as the Occitanie Region," explains Clelia Oliva.
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About the University of Montpellier: With its 17 faculties, schools, and institutes and 74 research facilities, the University of Montpellier brings together a vast community of knowledge: science, technology, physical education and sports, medicine, pharmacy, law, political science, economics, and management. With more than 52,000 students and 4,800 staff, the University of Montpellier is now one of the largest universities in France. UM is internationally recognized for the excellence of its teaching and research (ranked in the top 200 in the Shanghai ranking and in the top 3 in ecology in its thematic ranking). The University of Montpellier, which is also one of the most innovative universities in Europe (Reuters ranking), has been home to a "University Innovation Cluster" (PUI) since 2022. In the collective dynamic inspired by the I-SITE excellence program, it brings together 10 research organizations, 3 health institutions, and 2 schools, and involves players in the innovation ecosystem such as SATT AxLR, the Montpellier Metropolitan Area BIC, the Occitanie Region Economic Development Agency, and BPI France. From training to business creation, the Montpellier PUI promotes early detection and support, particularly through the "PEPITE DeepTech" program, and fosters the complementarity of innovation initiatives across the site. Since 2020, startups leveraging the research work of Montpellier PUI partners have raised more than €300 million.
About Terratis: This young Montpellier-based startup, born out of research, is currently being set up by Clelia Oliva and Allan Debelle and is committed to responsible pest management. Terratis is working on the industrialization and deployment of SIT (Sterile Insect Technique). The establishment of a pilot production line and market testing is expected to create seven jobs in 2024, with more than 15 additional jobs to be created by 2028 for the operational launch of the mass breeding farm. Studies concerning the breeding farm project and its implementation will be initiated in 2024 with local stakeholders.
About IRD : The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) is a multidisciplinary public research organization that has been engaged in equitable partnerships with countries in the Global South and French overseas territories for nearly 80 years. As a key player in the international development agenda, its priorities are aligned with the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, the Institute's scientists and partners propose concrete solutions to address the global challenges facing societies and the planet. This win-win relationship makes science and innovation major levers for development.
About SATT AxLR: SATT AxLR is a technology transfer acceleration company specializing in the maturation and commercialization of innovative projects resulting from public research. It works with most of the public research laboratories located in Occitanie, one of the most dynamic regions in France and Europe, with nearly 200 laboratories and nearly 11,000 researchers and research staff. Since its creation, SATT AxLR has funded 192 innovation programs, invested €67 million, signed 173 transfer contracts with companies, and supported 119 start-ups.