The ICAR-CIFT, Kochi has been officially designated as a Fisheries Incubation Centre (FIC) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Govt of India.

This was announced during the 4^th Anniversary Celebrations of PMMSY held in New Delhi on 11 September 2024. Shri. Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Minister of Panchayati Raj was the Chief Guest of the function. Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Shri. George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Ministry of Minority Affairs were the Guests of Honours.

ICAR-CIFT has been a leader in fisheries incubation since 2009 when it established one of the first Business Incubation Centre for the Southern region of India, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. In 2012, a dedicated incubation facility and pilot plant facility were set up to support entrepreneurs and start-ups in scaling their innovations with access to cutting-edge equipment and expertise. This recognition further strengthens ICAR-CIFT’s role as a pioneer in fisheries incubation, driving innovation, creating new businesses, and contributing to the Blue Economy of India.