Network for Insect Knowledge (NFIK)
- Type
- Network / Association / Cooperative
- Location
- Netherlands
- Industries
- Alternative proteins, Livestock farming, Food safety & quality, Animal feed
- Domains
- Insect based primary products, Black soldier fly, Cricket, Grasshopper, Housefly, Mealworm, Other insect based primary products
About Network for Insect Knowledge (NFIK)
Network for Insect Knowledge (NIK) is a Dutch knowledge network for the insect sector. It serves entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders who want information about insects as food for animals and people, as well as other insect applications.
NIK positions itself as a neutral platform that helps people find the right information, connect with the right parties, and move questions forward through its network. It supports both established and starting entrepreneurs with knowledge sharing, events, training, and practical guidance on topics such as regulation, research, and sector development.
Core Values
- Knowledge sharing: NIK exists to collect, unlock, and share knowledge about the insect sector. Its role is to make information accessible and useful for the wider ecosystem.
- Collaboration: The network emphasizes bringing parties together and stimulating cooperation between entrepreneurs, researchers, and other stakeholders. Joint action is presented as a key driver of sector growth.
- Sector development: NIK aims to contribute to the growth and professionalization of the insect sector in the Netherlands. It supports chain development from knowledge dissemination to cooperation across the value chain.
- Neutral support: NIK presents itself as an independent and neutral knowledge network. It focuses on connecting and informing rather than representing commercial interests.
Unique Aspects
- Independent sector knowledge hub: NIK is described as a neutral knowledge network for the Dutch insect sector, with a role that combines information provision, referral, and connection-making.
- Strong sector network: The organization highlights a broad network that helps it connect entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and other stakeholders quickly and effectively.
- Embedded in sector development programs: NIK’s work is linked to the Dutch insect sector’s program plans, including the 2026–2030 program plan and the sector plan 2025–2030, which focus on chain development and innovation.
- Supported by a wide stakeholder base: The site lists support from organizations such as VENIK, New Generation Nutrition, InsectoCycle, Aeres, HAS Hogeschool, Wageningen Livestock Research, Foodvalley NL, Provincie Gelderland, Rabobank, and Nevedi.