Mysuru: Tech Connect 2025 – Bridging Innovation and Enterprise, a collaborative roadshow hosted by CSIR-CFTRI in partnership with the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC), brought together over 150 stakeholders at Cheluvamba Hall, CFTRI Campus, Mysuru recently.

The event aimed to connect cutting-edge food and allied processing technologies with MSMEs, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. R. Saravanakumar, Zonal General Manager of NSIC (South Zone), Bengaluru, was the chief guest, while Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director of CSIR-CFTRI, presided over the proceedings.

The gathering included 95 MSMEs from across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, alongside representatives from Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), CFTRI incubatees, scientific staff, and students. K.B. Lingaraju, President of Mysore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also attended.

Collaboration for tech transfer

Dr. Aashithosh Ashok Inamdar, Head of Technology Transfer and Business Development at CSIR-CFTRI, credited the initiative to Dr. Shailaja Donempudi, Distinguished Scientist and Head of the Business Development Group at CSIR HQ.

He emphasised that Tech Connect 2025 was designed to bridge the gap between researchers and MSME entrepreneurs, facilitating real-time technology transfer and fostering industry-academia collaboration.

In his keynote address, Saravanakumar highlighted the vital role of food technology in daily life and shared personal reflections on his passion for the field.

He outlined NSIC’s support for small enterprises through collateral-free credit, raw material assistance, marketing aid, machinery leasing and skill development. He also stressed the growing importance of digital platforms, detailing NSIC’s efforts in e-invoicing, product   listing, and digital commercialisation.

Celebrating CFTRI’s legacy

As part of CSIR-CFTRI’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the book ‘The Living Campus’ was released. The publication chronicles the institute’s 75-year journey, showcasing its scientific achievements and vibrant campus culture.

CFTRI Director Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh reflected on CFTRI’s origins in the 1950s and its evolution into a hub of technological innovation.

Drawing from her research journey, she advocated for deeper collaboration between academia and industry to drive national development. She also spotlighted several impactful technologies developed at CFTRI for industrial and societal benefit.

Dr. Inamdar presented CFTRI’s Technology and Industry Collaboration Services, detailing models for technology transfer, sponsored research, consultancy and market-driven innovation.

His session was followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring CFTRI scientists, including Dr. S. Rajeshwara Matche, Dr. P. Giridhar, Dr. M.S. Meera and others. The panel explored deployment of CFTRI-developed technologies across sectors such as millets, spices, fruits, traditional foods and                                                                   meat processing.

Tech Connect 2025, successfully showcased CSIR-CFTRI’s technological prowess and NSIC’s comprehensive MSME support schemes.

Key contributors included Dr. Shailaja Donempudi, Karthikeya Sinha (NSIC, New Delhi), Dr. Sunil Kumar Newar (MSME) and senior NSIC officials from New Delhi, Bengaluru and Coimbatore. Partner                                              organisations such as Laghu Udhyog Bharathi, PMFME and CII played a vital role in outreach and participation.