FAO’s role in fostering innovation: the story of Erchissaran and science in the agriculture sector

10/06/2024

Erchissaran, a young scientist in her twenties, founded Speck Materials LLC, a start-up that creates paper from cow manure. Her work is a powerful testament to the role of science in the agriculture sector because it highlights how research and innovation can be applied to transform agricultural waste into environmentally responsible products, thereby fostering sustainable development. 

Born and raised in Dornod province, the easternmost of Mongolia’s 21 provinces, Erchissaran’s academic journey was influenced by her grandmother, who brought her up and taught her from an early age. Erchissaran  excelled in mathematics, winning multiple awards in local mathematics olympiads. Despite her prowess in mathematics, she discovered her passion to be environmental sciences. Natural science resonated with her because it explained natural phenomena, closely tied to everyday life, in concrete ways rather than abstractly. 

She took a gap year from the National University of Mongolia Business School to prepare for examinations that won her a full scholarship to study chemistry in Japan. This was a bold decision because taking a gap year was not common in Mongolia. The Japanese experience not only broadened her perspective on climate change issues but also made her aware of the importance of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, a realization that came from her research at the university. 

After earning her advanced molecular chemistry degree from Tohoku University, Erchissaran joined a Mongolian tech start-up. However, her passion for creating paper from cattle manure and combating climate change led her to leave her full time, secure job. This demonstrated her deep commitment to her dream and the environment. She reflects on her journey, saying, “I made many sudden, sharp changes in my life but I would not encourage all young people do the same without basing decisions on solid evidence or certainty.” 

In 2023 she felt very fortunate to see the announcement of the Agripreneurship Challenge competition for innovative businesses in the food and agriculture sector. This was included in the Aligned Budgeting to Transform Employment in Mongolia project, funded by the European Union and implemented by FAO. 

The Agripreneurship Challenge competition represented a transformative journey for Erchissaran. Selected from hundreds of applicants, she and 20 other start-up entrepreneurs underwent intensive bootcamp training in business planning, market research and financial management. This stage was her favourite part of the competition because there were trainers and mentors, successful businesspeople themselves, providing practical advice and sharing their experiences. Their stories of patience, passion and commitment inspired her and helped set realistic expectations for her business.  

The competition also expanded her network. Participants from all 21 provinces in Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar brought diverse perspectives and insights. Despite being competitors, they inspired each other and even became customers of each other's businesses.  

Before the competition Erchissaran only had vague ideas about what she wanted to do, but by the end of the competition she had formulated a comprehensive business plan and had created a tangible company. The seed funding prize enabled her to purchase essential tools, including a printing machine, a raw material shredder and waterproof desks. FAO’s support to Speck LLC was not limited to cash and did not end with the competition. Post-competition, Erchissaran and two other winners entered a year-long incubation programme with FAO. This programme assessed their financial health, readiness for export, and formulated a comprehensive business growth plan. With FAO support, Speck Materials LLC thrived, employing seven young people and reaching a breakthrough within a year. Speck LLC produces paper without cutting down a single tree, saving 17 trees per tonne of paper produced and preventing 250 kg of CO2 emissions. 

Participation in FAO-led events and activities provided Speck Materials LLC with exposure to new customers and opportunities to secure new orders. Recently, with FAO assistance, they participated in the Ulaanbaatar Partnership Expo, an annual event organized by the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Speck Materials LLC was distinguished at the expo and awarded the prize for best substitute product for import, along with a grant. This achievement not only underscores the potential of Speck Materials LLC but also highlights the value of such expos in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the food and agriculture sector. 

Currently, as part of the incubation programme, FAO offers support in brand development. This includes creating an official website, product catalogues and a chatbot system for their Facebook page and website. This support is instrumental in enhancing digital presence and customer engagement. 

Erchissaran’s journey exemplifies how the impact of FAO’s intervention can encourage young entrepreneurs and inspire them to innovate. Her vision is to become carbon zero in paper production and her story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with determination and the right support, it is possible to transform ideas into reality. 

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