Key Takeaways
- Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the need for closer collaboration between research institutions and the private sector in food innovation.
- The BioNEST Incubation Centre at CFTRI is designed to support startups in food technology, with 26 startups already incubated and 12 patents filed.
- New initiatives aim to enhance digital outreach and foster cross-sector collaborations to strengthen the food processing and biotechnology sectors.
Strengthening Food Innovation through Collaboration
Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, has urged for closer ties between research institutions and the private sector, particularly in the areas of consumer-oriented innovations such as ready-to-eat and convenience foods. Speaking at the inauguration of the BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre at the Central Food Technology & Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru, he highlighted the government’s commitment to increasing private sector involvement in emerging technologies. This includes introducing new funding mechanisms and support frameworks to enhance research and development.
During the event, Dr. Singh reviewed a showcase of startup-driven technologies developed at the institute, underlining the necessity of bridging laboratory research with commercial applications. The BioNEST Incubation Centre is equipped with modern facilities and shared resources, aimed at fostering food startups and facilitating advanced research in food bioprocessing and biotechnology. As of March 2026, the facility has supported 26 startups, several of which have achieved product commercialization and collectively filed 12 patents.
Dr. Singh noted that while initiating a venture has become easier, sustained success demands ongoing value addition, market access, and stronger industry connections. He emphasized that scientific institutions should enhance their digital outreach and communication, promoting technology adoption and encouraging collaborations across sectors, including biotechnology and specialized nutrition.
The event featured the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and the launch of two CFTRI-developed products, signifying ongoing industry collaboration and commercialization of research. Such partnerships are vital for scaling innovative solutions and enhancing ties with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
To celebrate CFTRI’s 75th anniversary, a collection of publications detailing its research and technological legacy was unveiled, alongside a commemorative postal cover and picture postcard.
The exhibition demonstrated the institute’s extensive lab-to-market pipeline, showcasing over 450 developed technologies and their applications in processed food products. CFTRI has emerged as a critical national hub for food research and enterprise development, increasingly drawing interest from national and international startups. The developments reflect a significant transition towards a market-oriented food innovation ecosystem, positioning CSIR-CFTRI as a central player in driving growth in India’s food processing sector.
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