In a move to position India as a global food basket and foster innovation-led growth in the food processing sector, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM), Kundli, successfully organised the SUFALAM 2025 conclave. Held on April 25–26 at the NIFTEM-K campus in Haryana, the two-day event, short for Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors, brought together over 500 stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, industry experts, researchers, and policymakers from across 23 states. With 65 exhibitors representing 20 states and over 2,600 online attendees via YouTube, SUFALAM 2025 emerged as a major platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and showcasing technological breakthroughs in the Indian food sector.
The event was inaugurated by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan, who emphasised the government’s vision to transform India’s food processing ecosystem into a world-class, innovation-driven industry. The inaugural session also included the opening of a vibrant exhibition that reflected India’s rich diversity in food production, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The exhibits ranged from traditional products to cutting-edge food technologies, giving participants a glimpse of the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of food in India.
The second day of the conclave began with a motivational address by young entrepreneurs who shared their personal journeys, ideas, and startups that have made a tangible impact in the food industry. Their stories set a dynamic tone for the day, underscoring the role of youth-led innovation in redefining India’s food processing narrative. This was followed by a keynote session on “Government Funding & Policy Support for Start-ups” delivered by representatives from Start-up India. The session provided valuable insights into the funding mechanisms, startup incentives, and support systems established by the government to bolster entrepreneurship in the sector.
Adding depth to the entrepreneurial discourse, Dr. T. Prasad, Professor at IIM Mumbai, conducted a motivational session titled “Staying Resilient in the Start-up World.” Through practical advice and anecdotes, he addressed the psychological and strategic resilience needed to thrive in the competitive start-up environment. The conclave also featured a key panel discussion on “Sustainable Food Solutions,” which examined emerging eco-friendly technologies and sustainable practices for food production. The session began with a keynote address by Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, former Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Nestlé India, who emphasised the importance of aligning sustainability with innovation in food systems.
One of the key policy-oriented sessions was led by Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, MoFPI, who offered a comprehensive overview of the PMFPE (Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) Scheme. Dr. Gupta elaborated on the various components of the scheme aimed at strengthening micro-food processing enterprises, especially in rural areas, through capacity building, financial support, and formalisation of operations.
SUFALAM 2025 was also marked by significant milestones in technology transfer. Notably, the Millet Nutribar, developed by Dr. Komal Chauhan and her team at NIFTEM-K, was transferred to M/s SMILLET, Karnal, Haryana. Similarly, makhana-based cookies, developed by Dr. Anand Kishore and his team, were handed over to M/s Patliputra Foods, Bihar. These transfers symbolised the institute’s role in bridging academic innovation and market implementation. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NIFTEM-K and the Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI) to jointly enhance skill development, training, and industry-relevant R&D in the food processing sector.
The conclave concluded with a guided tour of the NIFTEM-K campus, where delegates visited the state-of-the-art pilot plant and laboratory facilities. These visits offered firsthand exposure to research initiatives and technological advancements spearheaded by NIFTEM-K in food safety, processing, and packaging.
Speaking on the success of the conclave, Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM-K, highlighted that SUFALAM 2025 reaffirmed the government’s and the institute’s shared commitment to building a robust ecosystem of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.
