SUFALAM 2024 Wraps Up, Urging Food Start-ups to Prioritize Innovation, Collaboration, and Technology

The Start Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors (SUFALAM) 2024 concluded on a high note, highlighting the importance of innovations, collaborations, and advanced technologies in transforming start-ups in the food processing domain into established businesses. The two-day event, held on February 13th and 14th in New Delhi, witnessed the participation of key stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, industry experts, financial institutions, and academia.

The event was inaugurated by Pashupati Kumar Paras, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, in the presence of esteemed guests such as Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Food Processing Industries, Smt. Anita Praveen, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Dr Harinder Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM, Kundli, and Minhaj Alam, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

The event comprised three knowledge sessions, two pitching sessions, two-panel discussions, networking sessions, and an exhibition. Participants were enlightened on various aspects of start-up ecosystems, food regulations, business and financial modeling, and transforming food systems. Key discussions centered on the diversification of raw materials, climate-resilient options, creativity in entrepreneurship, and sustainable packaging aligned with consumer preferences and compliance standards.

Start-up Conclave and Pitching Sessions

During the Start-up Conclave for Food Processing Entrepreneurs, emphasis was laid on India's potential as a food innovation hub and the importance of collaboration among industry players, start-ups, and institutions. Additionally, two pitching sessions provided a platform for start-ups to showcase their ideas to a panel of experts, resulting in six start-ups receiving mentoring support for product refinement, market linkage, and investor connect.

Exhibition and Networking

The exhibition featured 38 exhibitors, including start-ups, PMFME beneficiaries, and government agencies, showcasing their products, schemes, and technologies. Separate networking sessions facilitated discussions on handholding and technical support for start-ups, fostering collaboration and growth within the industry.

The event emphasized the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and leveraging advanced technologies to propel start-ups towards success in the dynamic food processing sector.

With a strong foundation laid at SUFALAM 2024, stakeholders are optimistic about the future of the food processing industry, poised for continued growth and development through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.