The AquaBiz 2.0 was successfully held on 18th March 2025 in Kochi, Kerala, bringing together key stakeholders from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Organized by the Zonal Technology Management & Agribusiness Incubation Centre of ICAR-CIFT in collaboration with AgrInnovate India Ltd, and supported by NFDB and ICAR, the event served as a dynamic platform to bridge research, industry, and policy for sustainable fisheries development.

Highlights:

• Exhibition & Technology Showcase: The exhibition featured innovations from 8 ICAR fisheries institutes and five incubatees of ICAR-CIFT, highlighting cutting-edge technologies ready for commercialization.
• Industry & Entrepreneurship Insights: Panel discussions addressed challenges in the seafood industry, financial support mechanisms, and startup initiatives. Representatives from Kerala Startup Mission, NABARD, SBI, NFDB, and SEAI shared insights on funding, incubation, and market trends.
• Entrepreneur Success Stories: Founders from Zewa Ecosystems, FishEye, and Zarin Gourmet shared their journeys, emphasizing the role of incubation support in scaling sustainable aquaculture ventures.
• Policy & Collaboration Emphasis: Distinguished speakers, including Dr. Tarun Shridhar and Shri. Alex Ninan, stressed the need for policy alignment, quality assurance, and export readiness to enhance India’s global competitiveness.

Key Recommendations:

• Strengthen research-industry linkages through a Fisheries Innovation Task Force.
• Accelerate technology commercialization via AgrInnovate India in partnership with ICAR institutes.
• Develop a consolidated database of ICAR fisheries technologies.
• Enhance financial support for startups and women-led enterprises.
• Promote climate-smart practices and revamp export policies.

The summit reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship in driving the future of India’s fisheries sector. Agrinnovate India remains committed to facilitating technology transfer and supporting agri-business growth.