ICAR-CIFT Hosts AquaBiz 2.0 to Drive Growth in Aquaculture

In an effort to accelerate transformative growth in the fisheries sector, the Zonal Technology Management - Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ZTM-ABI) of ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), conducted an entrepreneurship meet, “AquaBiz 2.0,” at Hotel Avenue Centre, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi jointly with AgrInnovate India and in association with the IP&TM Unit of ICAR, and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).

AquaBiz 2.0 aims to explore the latest technologies developed by fisheries research institutes under ICAR, thereby revolutionizing the fisheries and aquaculture industries. The event provided a unique platform for entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers to connect with scientists, innovators, and government agencies dedicated to fisheries development.

Dr. George Ninan, Director of ICAR-CIFT, presided over the function. Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, ARS, Chief Executive of NFDB, was the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized NFDB’s funding structures for entrepreneurship, highlighting the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and its various funding patterns. He elaborated on how NFDB supports entrepreneurship through initiatives such as intensive aquaculture in ponds and tanks, culture-based capture fisheries in reservoirs, coastal aquaculture, mariculture, and seaweed cultivation. He also mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme of PMMSY aimed at empowering fish farmers, and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), which plays a crucial role in enhancing infrastructure in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Dr. Tarun Shridhar, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, MoFAHD, Government of India, was the special guest. In his speech, he underscored India’s strength in fisheries research and development, emphasizing that value addition in fish products depends heavily on maintaining freshness.

Shri. Alex Ninan, Vice President of SEAI, also addressed the gathering as a special guest. He highlighted key challenges facing the seafood industry, including overfishing and climate change, and stressed the importance of technological innovations in overcoming these issues.

A key highlight of the event was the testimonials shared by successful incubatees of ICAR-CIFT, including Shri. Nikhil Dev, Founder & CEO of Zewa Ecosystems Pvt. Ltd.; Shri. Mohammed Sherief, Senior Sales Manager, FishEye; and Shri. Saurav P. Satish, Founder & Director of Zarin Gourmet Pvt. Ltd. These entrepreneurs shared their experiences and success stories, inspiring aspiring business owners to explore opportunities in the fisheries sector.

Dr. A.P. Dinesh Babu, Principal Scientist and Head of the Division Shellfish Fisheries of ICAR-CMFRI; Dr. Praveen Malik, CEO of AgrInnovate India Limited; Shri. Anand Mohan Awasthy, Member of the Board of Directors, AgrInnovate India Limited; Shri. Dhruva V.C., Business Manager, AgrInnovate India Limited; Dr. C.O. Mohan, PI, ZTM-ABI, ICAR-CIFT; and Dr. U. Parvathy, CoPI, ABI Centre, ICAR-CIFT, also spoke at the inaugural session.

The program was further enriched by expert talks on topics such as “Issues and Problems of the Seafood Industry,” “Government of India Schemes to Support Entrepreneurship in the Fisheries Sector,” “Initiatives of Kerala Startup Mission,” “Financial Support Schemes by NABARD,” “Allied Agri Finance: Opportunities & Support from SBI,” and “Activities of AgrInnovate India Ltd.”

Additionally, the event featured a formal exchange of Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) between ICAR-CIFT and esteemed industry partners, reinforcing collaborations aimed at fostering innovation and industry growth. Several publications by ICAR-CIFT were also released during the event. A major highlight was the launch of an innovative product developed by ICAR-CIFT in collaboration with a women entrepreneur, Mrs. Rajani Rajan from Spicon Bio, showcasing the institute’s commitment to promoting women-led entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.

The event witnessed the participation of over 200 entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and funding agencies, all sharing a collective vision to foster entrepreneurship and technological advancement in the fisheries industry. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies showcased by ICAR Fisheries Research Institutes.

With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and business development, AquaBiz 2.0 has paved the way for new opportunities and partnerships in the fisheries sector, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in global aquaculture and fisheries technology.