Organized by

Zonal Technology Management – Agribusiness Incubation Centre

ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology

20^th March 2024

The 'AquaBiz Summit 2024' organized by the Zonal Technology Management - Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ZTM-ABI) of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) was held at Kochi on 20^th March 2024. This event witnessed a gathering of 200 participants converging entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and funding agencies, all united by a vision to build and encourage entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector. Inaugurating the Summit, Shri. Dodda Venkata Swamy, IAS, Chairman, MPEDA commended the efforts of ICAR-CIFT in supporting business enterprises. He emphasized the need for collaborative programs that bring all fisheries organizations in India onto a single platform and devise necessary strategies for the benefit of the industry. Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT presided over the inaugural meeting, and Dr. A. Gopalakrishnan, Director, ICAR-CMFRI, and Shri. Alex Ninan, Vice President, SEAI was present as the Guest of Honours. Dr. C.O. Mohan, Principal Investigator, and Dr. Remya S., and Dr. Parvathy U., Co-Principal Investigators of ZTM-ABI Centre were the conveners of this event.

The summit served as a platform for robust discussions, aiming to foster collaboration and explore avenues for transformative growth within the fisheries domain. The attendees were presented with an array of cutting-edge technologies showcased by ICAR Fisheries Research Institutes.

ICAR-CIFT technologies were showcased to the participants by the respective Heads of Divisions: Dr. M.P. Remesan (Fishing Technology Division), Dr. Bindu J. (Fish Processing Division), Dr. Anandan R. (Biochemistry & Nutrition Division), Dr. A.A. Zynudheen (Quality Assurance & Management), Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan (Microbiology, Fermentation & Biotechnology) and Dr. S. Murali (Engineering). The technologies from other ICAR-Fisheries Research Institutes were presented by Dr. Ganesh Chandra (ICAR-CIFRI), Dr. P.K. Patil (ICAR-CIBA), Dr. Vipin Kumar V.P. (ICAR-CMFRI), Dr. Kapil Sukhdane (ICAR-CIFE), Dr. Biju Sam Kamalam (ICAR-DCFR) and Dr. Arun Sudhagar (ICAR-NBFGR). The sessions were moderated by Dr. Nikita Gopal, Head, Extension, Information and Statistics Division, and Dr. Toms C. Joseph, Officer-in-Charge, PME Cell.

The program was further enriched by talks from representatives of various organizations, including Dr. Deepu Krishnan from Kerala Start-up Mission, Mr. Anil K. Paul from Kerala Grameen Bank, Smt. Dhanya K.N. from FSSAI, Mr. Martin P. Chacko from MSME, Mr. Rahul R. from KIED, and Dr. C.O. Mohan from Agribusiness Incubation of ICAR CIFT. A highlight of the event was the testimonies shared by successful incubatees of ICAR-CIFT, including Mr. Mohammed Rameesh from Foo Foods India Pvt. Ltd., Kozhikode, Mr. Sunil Ravi from Monsoon Bounty Pvt. Ltd., Chennai and Mr. Najeeb Bin Haneef from Zaara Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Kochi. Their experiences underscored the need for institutional convergence and support for start-ups to graduate to the level of successful entrepreneurs.

As part of the event, an exhibition of ICAR Fisheries technologies was arranged, along with the ICAR-CIFT incubate products.