Across America’s waterways, an invasion is happening.
Millions of invasive carp disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native species, and threaten the livelihoods of fishermen and communities.
But what if we could turn this crisis into opportunity?
At the KIX Feed Mill and Innovation Center, we’re turning an invasive problem into an economic opportunity.
This innovative hybrid facility unlocks two powerful opportunities: high-margin feed production and cutting-edge technical resources for rapid product development.
Environmental Solutions
By utilizing KIX technology in the feed mill, invasive carp will be transformed into a uniquely nutritious and high-quality feed to support agricultural partners.
Innovation & Research
The Innovation Center will enable partners to run trials of novel materials through the KIX system, developing new products before entering production at scale.
Revitalized Communities
This project will bring new investment to communities in the Arkansas Delta region, providing well paying jobs and a sustainable tax base to de-industrialized towns.
This isn’t just a project — it’s a movement.
A movement to turn challenge into opportunity, and to build a future where environmental responsibility and economic growth go hand in hand.
This pilot and innovation project is more than just an idea: it’s a proving ground.
This project represents a real-world testing hub designed to demonstrate how similar initiatives can take root throughout the Mississippi River Basin.
Here, you can truly “kick the tires” on groundbreaking technology and innovative approaches to tackling invasive carp and other environmental challenges.
KIX technology is being utilized in 37 countries, at over 350 facilities.
What do our research partners and customers have to say?
It never ceases to amaze me just how much food and biomaterials recovery we could be doing on this planet with this technology. [...] I believe that there is a big future for AKT-KIX technology for multiple applications in a smarter world of energy and food systems.
Dr. Pia Winberg CEO & Chief Scientist, Venus Shell Systems Pty. Ltd.
Our shrimp plant employs [an] AKT KIX Ky4 dehydrator having a diesel burner as standby for our shell meal operation. This standby oil burner has never been used since the plant was rebuilt 7 years ago. We operate the meal plant 100% on renewable hydro-electric source.
Stefán H. Tryggvason Fabrikchef / Plant Manager, Royal Greenland
This project represents a significant step forward in transforming invasive carp into a valuable resource [...] By developing new products and processes, this initiative has the potential to create jobs beyond rural areas, support local economies, and open doors to cutting-edge advancements in sustainable feed production.
Joseph Batta-Mpouma PhD, Chief Executive Officer, CelluDot LLC
FAQ
Traditional fish meal production is slow, inefficient, and water-intensive. KIX completely disrupts that model. Instead of grinding, cooking, pressing, and drying fish separately, KIX does everything in one single step — it processes the whole fish, captures the oils, and gelatinizes grains in a single pass. That means no water use, no nutrient loss, and a cleaner, higher-quality feed product.
Innovation isn’t just about being different — it’s about solving real problems. KIX eliminates waste, simplifies production, and dramatically increases digestibility. That last point is critical: The higher the digestibility, the better the feed conversion ratio, which means farmers get more growth from less feed. No other system does this at scale.
The technology behind KIX uses a precise dehydration and pressure system that removes moisture without denaturing proteins or damaging essential oils. Unlike conventional processing, which strips away valuable nutrients, we retain everything nature put in the fish (including oils, amino acids, and micronutrients) without adding anything artificial.
We’ve already tested this technology in real-world conditions. AKT has conducted global trials, and currently in operation in over 350 facilities in 37 nations around the world, proving that KIX not only works but outperforms traditional feed processing. The invasive carp pilot and innovation facility planned for Helena will demonstrate this on invasive carp at commercial scale and establish the roadmap for mass adoption.
The first reaction is disbelief. Then they start running the numbers and realize the massive efficiency gains. Farmers, feed manufacturers, and pet food producers love the simplicity and cost savings. It’s less processing, less waste, and more usable nutrition.
Because the industry is wasting an opportunity. Right now, fish meal production is inefficient, and invasive carp are an untapped resource choking U.S. waterways. Instead of seeing carp as a problem, KIX turns them into a valuable commodity. We don’t just solve one problem — we solve two at the same time.
Success means KIX facilities up and running across the Mississippi River Basin, converting invasive species into millions of tons of sustainable feed and feed ingredients. A true pilot will not fail and we don’t stop. The data will tell us what to refine, and we’ll adapt. But we already know the technology works — the real challenge is getting the target industries to adopt a better way.
Three words: Efficiency, scalability, profitability. KIX cuts out unnecessary steps, reduces input costs, and maximizes output. That means higher margins and faster ROI. Plus, the market for sustainable, high-protein feed ingredients is growing exponentially. It’s not just a good idea — it’s a financially smart move.
Because timing is everything. First movers in new technologies capture the biggest opportunities. The demand for alternative proteins, sustainable aquafeed, and pet food ingredients is surging, and those who act now will lead the market. KIX isn’t just another project — it’s a paradigm shift.
We’re solving a $100 billion problem — sustainably and profitably. KIX technology eliminates waste, maximizes nutrition, and turns an environmental crisis into a market opportunity. This is the future of feed production, and those who get in early will reap the biggest rewards.