The SUFALAM 2025 begins from April 25 onwards

• 25 Apr 2025
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The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has partnered with NIFTEM Kundli and announced the second edition of SUFALAM (Start Up Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors). The event is scheduled for April 25 and 26, 2025, at the NIFTEM K Campus.

This year's conclave, which builds on the success of its first edition, reaffirms the Government of India's dedication to supporting a thriving start-up ecosystem in keeping with the goal of a "Atmanirbhar Bharat." Through focused activities, the event’s aim is to lay emphasis on entrepreneurship, sustainability, and innovation within the food processing industry.

The two day program will include a number of activities aimed to empower companies, promote networking, and facilitate knowledge sharing. It’ll place an emphasis on improving the ease of doing business for the young entrepreneurs through programs and subsidies of the government. Union Cabinet Minister, MoFPI Shri Chirag Paswan, will open the conclave. In order to assist up-and-coming entrepreneurs, NIFTEM K will be important by offering access to modern infrastructure, consulting services, and also mentorship.

SUFALAM 2025 event will begin with a keynote address by Professor Harpal Singh of IIT Delhi. He will share his entrepreneurial journey's insights. The occasion’s special guest will be Professor Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi. The Guest of Honour will be Dr. Subrata Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).

On the first day, the event will feature startups and industry leaders’ experience-sharing sessions. They will share how their entrepreneurial journey has been, along with some insights. Expert-led sessions’ series will cover certain essential themes like sustainable growth specifically in the food sector, digital outreach, government support and branding. 

Some of the major highlights of the conclave include a panel discussion regarding how to scale businesses responsibly, featuring insights from industry leaders like Mr. Abhishek Kakkar of the Indian Angel Network and Mr. Durlabh Rawat of Barosi Foods. Another exciting session, led by senior MeitY officials and marketing officials like Ms. Yashna Garg from Zeon Life Sciences, will talk about digital marketing strategies exclusively for food startups. 

On Day 2, young entrepreneurs will take the spotlight in a session titled Pep Talk by Budding Startups, where they will share their journeys, challenges, and also their learnings. Speakers include Ms. Isha Jhawar from Reipeat Gud Pvt Ltd, known for her healthy, preservative-free ketchup and mayo, and Mr. Romi Kulthia of Atpata, who blends traditional knowledge with modern technology. Entrepreneurs like Mr. Priyanshu Raj from Aromaé and Ms. Palak Arora from SatGuru Superfoods will discuss the hurdles of scaling up and bridging rural-urban market gaps, while sustainability champion Mr. Anagh Goyal of 1.5 Degree will share his take on building climate-resilient business models.

So far more than 250 startups from 23 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Manipur, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, have signed up, showcasing the incredible diversity and innovation emerging across the country. Some of these startups will be presenting cutting-edge solutions like cell-cultured meat, plant-based alternatives, functional foods, and rapid testing kits for contaminants and adulterants, which are key technologies for strengthening India's food safety and processing ecosystem.

About 35 startups are also set to pitch their breakthrough ideas to an esteemed panel of evaluators from leading organizations such as Nestlé, Bühler Group, Eureka Analytical Systems Pvt. Ltd., and the Indian Angel Network. There’s also a dedicated session on sustainable food solutions, moderated by Dr. Siddharth Manvati of Clear Meat, with insights from experienced voices like Mr. Sanjay Khajuria, former Director of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Nestlé India, and Mr. Hemendra Mathur from Bharat Innovation Fund.

The event, apart from the scheduled sessions, will offer plenty of chances to connect and collaborate through a Mentor Lounge and an exhibition space spotlighting innovations from startups and MSMEs. Reflecting on the event’s broader significance, Union Cabinet Minister Shri Chirag Paswan shared, “SUFALAM 2025 underscores our commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship in the food sector. By equipping startups with the right tools and networks, we are paving the way for a more self-reliant India.”

With more than 300 participants and 65+ exhibitors from over 20 states, including entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers, the conclave is set to spark collaboration and drive the next wave of Indian food processing industry’s growth.

Source: PIB