Focus on sustainable innovation, AI, fostering food tech alliances
Mysuru: The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI) marked National Technology Day 2025 with a commemorative event held at its Cheluvamba Hall in Mysuru last evening.
Themed “Empowering a Sustainable Tomorrow Through Innovation,” the event spotlighted CFTRI’s commitment to advancing scientific research, technology transfer, and industry collaboration in pursuing sustainable development.
Dr. Aashitosh A. Inamdar, Head of Technology Transfer and Business Development (TTBD), of CFTRI inaugurated the programme and delivered the keynote address. Dr. Inamdar described CFTRI as a national catalyst for food innovation and entrepreneurship by emphasising the institute’s significant strides in technology dissemination and industry engagement.
“Since its inception, CSIR-CFTRI has played a pivotal role in addressing India’s food challenges — be it post-harvest losses, malnutrition, or promoting rural entrepreneurship. Today, the focus has shifted to feeding the nation safely, sustainably, and intelligently, and this demands strategic innovation,” he said.
Dr. Inamdar outlined CFTRI’s ongoing efforts in developing climate-resilient crops, functional foods aimed at combating chronic diseases, and sustainable food processing techniques. He also highlighted the institute’s work in areas like transparency and traceability in food systems, eco-friendly packaging, plant-based alternatives, and nutrigenomics.
These initiatives are being driven through collaborations with sectors such as agriculture, artificial intelligence, and health sciences, while also providing platforms for students and budding entrepreneurs.
Innovation-led entrepreneurship
Speaking on the role of innovation-led entrepreneurship, Dr. Inamdar observed that India’s growing food-tech startup ecosystem requires strong scientific validation. He proposed that CFTRI could evolve into a launchpad for technopreneurs by offering innovation labs, patent clinics, business mentoring, seed funding avenues, and partnerships with incubators and self-help groups.
On the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Dr. Inamdar elaborated on how CFTRI could lead the way in AI-driven food technology. Key areas include real-time contaminant detection, micronutrient trend analysis, health-focused food formulation, and supply chain optimisation to reduce waste. He stressed the need for building AI-ready laboratories and fostering collaborations with leading tech institutions.
New partnerships
Underscoring the importance of cross-disciplinary cooperation, Dr. Inamdar called for greater synergy between food scientists, nutritionists, AI developers, and startups. “The future belongs to collaborative innovation ecosystems where CFTRI empowers researchers and students to solve grand challenges in food technology,” he noted.
Highlighting a promising partnership, Dr. Inamdar spoke about CFTRI’s collaboration with The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE). He described it as a powerful alliance that combines TiE’s global mentoring and funding network with CFTRI’s scientific credibility. Together, they aim to convert lab research into market-ready products, launch startup accelerators, and support deep-tech food ventures.
National Technology Day, he said, should not merely commemorate achievements but should serve as a platform to ignite new partnerships that drive the future of food technology in India.
Local startup mentorship
Chief guest Bhaskar Kalale, President of TiE Mysuru Chapter, delivered an inspiring address on technology’s role in building a self-reliant and resilient nation.
He highlighted TiE’s international reach in nurturing entrepreneurship and urged CFTRI’s young researchers to actively explore entrepreneurial pathways. Kalale also emphasised TiE’s commitment to supporting local startups through mentorship, networking, and incubation.
The event was presided over by Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director of CSIR-CFTRI, who praised the institute’s scientific community and reaffirmed its vision for translational research and public service.
The celebration reinforced CFTRI’s pivotal role in driving food science innovations and fostering meaningful industry partnerships aimed at sustainable progress.
Three major agreements signed
A project agreement with MILMA, Wayanad Dairy (MRCMPUL), Kerala.
A technology transfer agreement with Kudumbashree, Kerala State Division covering 94 technologies.
A project agreement with Tattva Nutri Foods Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, Karnataka.
In a major advancement, CFTRI also launched a client management system designed to streamline industry partnerships, technology transfer and new product development.
Certificates of appreciation
Dr. B.B. Borse and team — Highest number of technology transfers, including Coffee Concentrate.
Dr. M.V.R.K. Sarma and team — High-cost technology transfer for transglycosylating-glucosidase.
Er. Rajeshwar S. Matche and team — Highest number of industry-sponsored projects.
Dr. Babylatha and team — High-value industry-sponsored project.
This post was published on May 14, 2025 6:29 pm