Sonipat, April 25, 2025 – The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with NIFTEM-Kundli, inaugurated the second edition of SUFALAM 2025 (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors) today at the NIFTEM-K campus. The two-day conclave is a pivotal initiative aimed at strengthening India’s food processing sector through innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, and aligns with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The event was formally inaugurated by Shri Chirag Paswan, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, who underscored the vital need to empower India’s youth and position the country as a global leader in food innovation.
“There is no dearth of talent in India—what we need is to harness it better by equipping our youth with the right skill sets. The food processing sector holds endless opportunities, and with focused innovation, we can not only meet our own needs but also establish India as a global food basket. This journey of innovation and capacity-building will not only strengthen our economy but also create vast employment opportunities across the country. The Ministry is committed to enhancing India’s food processing capacity, empowering farmers, and supporting the industry at every step,” he stated.
Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, attended the event as Guest of Honour and echoed similar sentiments. He emphasized the importance of improving food productivity while minimizing wastage.
“With rising food demands and limited land, the challenge before us is not just to feed a growing population—but to do so sustainably and efficiently. The Ministry is actively supporting the industry through a slew of measures, focusing on increasing production, reducing wastage, and building robust infrastructure. To move the food industry forward, we must empower our youth with the right skills and develop cutting-edge technologies. The Ministry remains fully committed to enabling this transformation and ensuring a resilient, future-ready food ecosystem,” he said.
Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, highlighted the institute’s growing role in bridging academia and industry.
“True success in any industry lies in the seamless collaboration between academia and industry. At NIFTEM, with the unwavering support of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, we are not just preparing students for jobs — we are empowering them to create jobs. By bridging the talent gap in the food sector and fostering entrepreneurship through collective action, we are shaping the future of India’s food ecosystem,” he remarked.
The inaugural day of SUFALAM 2025 witnessed a dynamic convergence of industry leaders, academicians, investors, and budding entrepreneurs for meaningful knowledge exchange and inspiration. Experience-sharing sessions offered valuable insights into the journeys of emerging startups, while expert-led discussions focused on themes such as sustainable growth, branding, digital outreach, and policy incentives.
A keynote address by Prof. Harpal Singh of IIT Delhi inspired the audience with key learnings from his entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, Prof. Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), shared expert insights on global trade dynamics and food entrepreneurship.
More than 250 startups from 23 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra, participated in the event. Innovations showcased ranged from cell-cultured meat and plant-based food products to functional foods and rapid detection kits, each contributing to a safer and more robust food ecosystem.
A total of 35 startups registered to pitch their ideas before industry evaluators from esteemed organizations such as Nestlé, Bühler Group, Eureka Analytical Systems Pvt. Ltd., and the Indian Angel Network.
In addition to formal sessions, SUFALAM 2025 featured a dedicated Mentor Lounge, extensive networking opportunities, and an exhibition area showcasing innovations by MSMEs and startups.
With over 300 participants and 65 exhibitors from 20 states, Day 1 of SUFALAM 2025 reaffirmed the Ministry’s strong commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and accelerating the growth of India’s food processing industry.
The conclave will continue tomorrow with a series of engaging sessions featuring emerging entrepreneurs, expert panel discussions, and live startup pitches—collectively aimed at shaping the future of India’s food ecosystem.
