SUFALAM 2025 kicks off at NIFTEM-K, igniting innovation in Food Processing
Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurates SUFALAM 2025, Calls for Innovation-Driven Food Ecosystem
SUFALAM 2025 :Day 1 Highlights India’s Vision to Emerge as a Global Food Basket
The
Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with
NIFTEM-Kundli, inaugurated the second edition of SUFALAM 2025 (Start-Up Forum
for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors) today at the NIFTEM-K campus. The two-day
conclave is a pivotal initiative aimed at strengthening India’s food processing
sector through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, and aligns with
the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The event was formally inaugurated by Shri
Chirag Paswan, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, who underscored
the vital need to empower India’s youth and position the country as a global
leader in food innovation.
“There is no dearth of talent in India—what we
need is to harness it better by equipping our youth with the right skill sets.
The food processing sector holds endless opportunities, and with focused
innovation, we can not only meet our own needs but also establish India as a
global food basket. This journey of innovation and capacity-building will not
only strengthen our economy but also create vast employment opportunities
across the country. The Ministry is committed to enhancing India’s food
processing capacity, empowering farmers, and supporting the industry at every
step,” he stated.
Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Food
Processing Industries, attended the event as Guest of Honour and echoed similar
sentiments. He emphasized the importance of improving food productivity while
minimizing wastage.
“With rising food demands and limited land, the
challenge before us is not just to feed a growing population—but to do so
sustainably and efficiently. The Ministry is actively supporting the industry
through a slew of measures, focusing on increasing production, reducing
wastage, and building robust infrastructure. To move the food industry forward,
we must empower our youth with the right skills and develop cutting-edge
technologies. The Ministry remains fully committed to enabling this transformation
and ensuring a resilient, future-ready food ecosystem,” he said.
Welcoming the delegates, Dr Harinder Singh
Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, highlighted the institute’s growing role in
bridging academia and industry.
“True success in any industry lies in the
seamless collaboration between academia and industry. At NIFTEM, with the
unwavering support of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, we are not
just preparing students for jobs — we are empowering them to create jobs. By
bridging the talent gap in the food sector and fostering entrepreneurship
through collective action, we are shaping the future of India’s food
ecosystem,” he remarked.
The inaugural day of SUFALAM 2025 witnessed a
dynamic convergence of industry leaders, academicians, investors, and budding
entrepreneurs for meaningful knowledge exchange and inspiration.
Experience-sharing sessions offered valuable insights into the journeys of
emerging startups, while expert-led discussions focused on themes such as
sustainable growth, branding, digital outreach, and policy incentives.
A keynote address by Prof Harpal Singh of IIT
Delhi inspired the audience with key learnings from his entrepreneurial
journey. Additionally, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of the Indian
Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), shared expert insights on global trade
dynamics and food entrepreneurship.
More than 250 startups from 23 states, including
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, participated in the
event. Innovations showcased ranged from cell-cultured meat and plant-based
food products to functional foods and rapid detection kits, each contributing
to a safer and more robust food ecosystem.
A total of 35 startups registered to pitch their
ideas before industry evaluators from esteemed organizations such as Nestlé,
Bühler Group, Eureka Analytical Systems Pvt Ltd., and the Indian Angel Network.
In addition to formal sessions, SUFALAM 2025
featured a dedicated Mentor Lounge, extensive networking opportunities, and an
exhibition area showcasing innovations by MSMEs and startups.
With over 300 participants and 65 exhibitors
from 20 states, Day 1 of SUFALAM 2025 reaffirmed the Ministry’s strong
commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and accelerating
the growth of India’s food processing industry.
The conclave will continue tomorrow with a
series of engaging sessions featuring emerging entrepreneurs, expert panel
discussions, and live startup pitches—collectively aimed at shaping the future
of India’s food ecosystem.