The ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), through its Zonal Technology Management – Agribusiness Incubation Centre (ZTM-ABI), hosted AquaBiz 2.0 in Kochi — an entrepreneurship meet designed to showcase and promote technological innovations developed by ICAR fisheries research institutes. The event aimed to drive innovation and unlock new business opportunities within the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
Organized in collaboration with AgrInnovate India, the Intellectual Property & Technology Management (IP&TM) Unit of ICAR, and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), the event provided a dynamic platform where entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers engaged with scientists, industry experts, and government bodies to explore strategies for improving productivity and ensuring sustainable growth in fisheries enterprises.
Showcasing Technological Advancements in Aquaculture
AquaBiz 2.0 featured a dedicated technology showcase, highlighting a range of scientific developments designed to improve efficiency and sustainability in fisheries. Among the key innovations presented were eco-friendly harvest technologies tailored for the marine and aquaculture sectors, advanced seed production and grow-out technologies, and improved methods for breeding and rearing ornamental finfishes and shellfishes.
Cost-effective and nutritive fish feed formulations were also a major focus, addressing the need for economically viable yet high-quality feed solutions. Technologies related to diagnostics, vaccines, and disease management were showcased, emphasizing their role in reducing disease-related losses in aquaculture.
The event also highlighted innovations in post-harvest technologies, value addition in fish products, nutraceuticals, and high-value by-products. Additionally, sustainable solutions for fish waste utilization were presented, underlining the importance of resource optimization in the industry.
Strategic Collaborations and Business Growth
AquaBiz 2.0 offered participants the opportunity to engage with technology developers, understand agribusiness incubation initiatives under ICAR, and identify tailored solutions for their enterprises. The event facilitated the formation of strategic partnerships between industry stakeholders and research institutions, enabling businesses to leverage scientific expertise for practical implementation.
Participants gained insights into emerging trends and technological solutions that could drive informed decision-making and long-term business growth. Discussions revolved around enhancing productivity, improving supply chain efficiencies, and addressing key challenges such as climate change and overfishing through innovation.
Government Initiatives and Industry Insights
AquaBiz 2.0 also provided a platform to discuss various government schemes aimed at supporting entrepreneurship in fisheries. The NFDB elaborated on financial assistance available under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), including its sub-scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY), which focuses on empowering fish farmers. Additionally, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) was highlighted as a key initiative supporting infrastructure enhancements in the sector.
Expert speakers addressed crucial topics such as value addition in fish products, emphasizing the importance of maintaining freshness to enhance market competitiveness. The need for technological advancements in addressing industry challenges, including overfishing and environmental changes, was also discussed.
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Celebrating Success and Strengthening Industry Ties
A highlight of the event was the testimonials shared by entrepreneurs who successfully benefited from ICAR-CIFT’s incubation initiatives. They shared their journeys of adopting innovative technologies to build sustainable and profitable fisheries businesses, inspiring others to explore similar opportunities.
The event also witnessed the formal exchange of Memoranda of Agreement (MoAs) between ICAR-CIFT and industry partners, reinforcing commitments to collaborative research and technological adoption. Several publications by ICAR-CIFT were released, providing valuable insights into current developments in fisheries research.
An innovative product, developed by ICAR-CIFT in partnership with a women entrepreneur, was launched during the event, showcasing the institute’s support for women-led entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector.
A Platform for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
With over 200 participants, including entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and funding agencies, AquaBiz 2.0 underscored the growing interest in leveraging technology to drive the fisheries sector forward. The event provided an invaluable opportunity to explore advancements developed by ICAR Fisheries Research Institutes and facilitated discussions on sustainable business models.
By focusing on technology-driven solutions, industry collaborations, and government-backed initiatives, AquaBiz 2.0 set the stage for new partnerships and business opportunities in the fisheries and aquaculture industry, reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing this crucial sector.
