Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in collaboration with NIFTEM Kundli, is pleased to announce the second edition of SUFALAM (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors), scheduled for April 25–26, 2025, at NIFTEM-K campus. Building on the success of its inaugural edition, this year’s conclave reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to fostering a vibrant start-up ecosystem in line with the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The event aims to strengthen the food processing sector by promoting innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship through targeted initiatives.

The two-day program will feature a series of activities designed to empower startups, facilitate knowledge sharing and create networking opportunities. Union Cabinet Minister, MoFPI Shri Chirag Paswan will inaugurate the conclave with a focus on enhancing ease of doing business for young entrepreneurs through government schemes and subsidies. NIFTEM-K will play a key role by providing mentorship, consultancy services and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure to support emerging startups.

The event will commence with keynote address by Prof. Harpal Singh from IIT Delhi, who will share insights from his entrepreneurial journey. Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi will join as the special guest for the occasion. Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

 The events on first day will feature experience-sharing sessions where industry leaders and startups will share their entrepreneurial journeys and insights. A series of expert-led sessions will cover critical themes such as sustainable growth in food sector, branding, digital outreach, and government support. Highlights include a panel discussion on scaling businesses responsibly, featuring industry leaders like Mr. Abhishek Kakkar, Indian Angel Network and Mr. Durlabh Rawat, Barosi Foods. Another session on digital marketing strategies for food startups will be led by senior officials from MeitY and marketing experts such as Ms. Yashna Garg from Zeon Life Sciences.

 On the second day, young entrepreneurs will share their experiences in a session titled “Pep Talk by Budding Startups.” Speakers include Ms. Isha Jhawar of Reipeat Gud Pvt Ltd. known for her work in healthy, preservative free tomato ketchup and mayonnaise and Mr. Romi Kulthia of Atpata, who combines traditional knowledge with modern technology. Other participants, such as Mr. Priyanshu Raj of Aromaé and Ms. Palak Arora of SatGuru Superfoods, will discuss challenges in scaling and rural-urban market linkages. Sustainability-focused innovators like Mr. Anagh Goyal of 1.5 Degree will also share insights on climate-resilient business models.

Over 250 startups from 23 states across the country including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Manipur, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand have already registered, showcasing the diverse innovation landscape of India. Some of the startups are likely to exhibit innovative technologies, such as cell cultured meat, plant-based foods, functional foods and rapid detection kits for contaminants and adulterants required for strengthening food processing and safety eco system in the country. Around 35 startups have registered to   pitch their ground-breaking ideas to esteemed evaluators from leading organizations such as Nestlé, Bühler Group, Eureka Analytical Systems Pvt. Ltd. and the Indian Angel Network. A dedicated session on sustainable food solutions, moderated by Dr. Siddharth Manvati of Clear Meat, will feature perspectives from industry veterans like Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, Former Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nestle India and Mr. Hemendra Mathur, Bharat Innovation Fund.

Beyond formal sessions, the event will include networking opportunities through a Mentor Lounge and an exhibition showcasing innovations by startups and MSMEs. Reflecting on the conclave’s importance, Union Cabinet Minister, MoFPI Shri Chirag Paswan remarked, “SUFALAM 2025 underscores our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in the food sector. By equipping startups with the right tools and networks, we are paving the way for a more self-reliant India.” With over 300 participants, over 65 exhibitors representing 20 states across the country including entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers, the conclave aims to drive collaboration and accelerate growth in India’s food processing industry.

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Shahid

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