Fisheries Dept Launches ‘Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge’ to Identify and Reward Impactful Startups

The Department of Fisheries has joined forces with Startup India hub and DPIIT to initiate the Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge. This collaboration aims to identify, reward, and acknowledge startups that have made a significant impact on the fisheries ecosystem. Over the years, the fisheries sector in India has experienced substantial growth, with fisheries startups currently operating in 21 states and union territories.

The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge invited applications addressing four specific problem statements. A total of 121 startups submitted their proposals across these problem statements. After a rigorous evaluation process, 12 exceptional startups have been chosen as the winners of this challenge.

The Minister for Fisheries Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, will felicitate the selected startups. The ceremony will take place on the auspicious occasion of National Fish Farmer's Day, scheduled for July 10, 2023, at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.

Dr. L. Murugan and Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, the Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, will also be present at the event. Additionally, Ministers in charge of Fisheries from various states and esteemed officials from Central and State Governments will grace the occasion.

Furthermore, the selected startups, operating under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, will receive a cash grant of INR 2 lakhs to support and foster their innovative endeavors.

The National Fish Farmer's Day celebration at Mahabalipuram will showcase an exhibition featuring 30 exceptional startups from all corners of the country. This exhibition will demonstrate the remarkable achievements of fisheries innovators across the nation.

In addition to the exhibition, curated sessions will be organized to provide valuable insights and guidance to the startups, facilitating their business growth.