SUFALAM 2025: Empowering Innovation, Startups and Self-Reliance in India’s Food Processing Sector

The joint aegis of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and NIFTEM-Kundli, the second edition of SUFALAM (Start-Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors) will be organized on April 25–26, 2025, at the NIFTEM-Kundli campus. Aligned with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the event aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the food processing sector.

Boosting Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

This two-day conclave will host multiple activities to empower startups, encourage knowledge sharing, and foster meaningful networking. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Shri Chirag Paswan, will inaugurate the event, focusing on enhancing ease of doing business for young entrepreneurs through government schemes and subsidies. NIFTEM-Kundli will provide mentorship, consultancy, and access to world-class infrastructure to support emerging startups.

Day One: Insightful Guidance for Startups:

1. Experience Sharing Sessions: Industry experts and startup founders will share their journeys and experiences.
2. Expert Talks: Thematic discussions on sustainable growth, branding, digital outreach, and government support in the food sector.
3. Panel Discussion: Focused on responsible business scaling, featuring Mr. Abhishek Kakkar (Indian Angel Network) and Mr. Durlabh Rawat (Barosi Foods).
4. Digital Marketing Session: Strategies for food startups by senior MeitY officials and Ms. Yashna Garg of Zeon Life Sciences.

Day Two: Spotlight on Young Entrepreneurs:

“Pep Talk by Budding Startups”, Speakers include Ms. Isha Jhawar (Reipeat Gud Pvt. Ltd.) – innovating in preservative-free sauces, Mr. Romi Kulthia (Atpata) – blending tradition with technology, Mr. Priyanshu Raj (Aromaé) and Ms. Palak Arora (SatGuru Superfoods) – addressing scale and rural-urban market gaps, and Mr. Anagh Goyal (1.5 Degree) – presenting climate-resilient business models.

Startup Participation and Innovation Showcase: Over 250 startups from 23 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Manipur, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have already registered. Some startups will showcase breakthrough innovations such as cell-cultured meat, plant-based foods, functional foods, and rapid test kits for food safety. More than 35 startups will pitch their ideas to evaluators from esteemed organizations like Nestlé, Bühler Group, Eureka Analytical Systems, and the Indian Angel Network.

Collaborations to Redefine the Future of Food: The event will also feature a Mentor Lounge and an exhibition by startups and MSMEs. Reflecting on the vision behind the event, Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan said, “SUFALAM 2025 reflects our commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the food sector. By equipping startups with the right tools and networks, we are advancing towards a truly self-reliant India.”
With participation from over 300 delegates, 65+ exhibitors, and investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from 20 states, SUFALAM 2025 is poised to be a landmark initiative accelerating growth in India’s food processing industry.