The ICAR - Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, hosted the RISE UP Startup Conclave, from February 19-21, bringing together entrepreneurs, students, and industry stakeholders to foster collaboration in the agriculture and spice sectors.
Dr. George Ninan, Director, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi, inaugurated the event. The first day featured the NavUdyam program, which included a theme-based Idea Hackathon and a Startup Orientation Programme. Thirteen teams presented their innovative ideas under six different themes at the institute. This program, conducted in collaboration with the Kerala Startup Mission, provided a platform for participants to present their ideas to an expert panel and gain valuable insights into launching and growing a startup.
On the second day, Dr. R. Dinesh, Director, ICAR-IISR inaugurated the exhibition stalls for the Udayam 2.0 Agri Expo. Held at the IISR campus, the exhibition showcased around 70 small-scale entrepreneurs and agricultural product manufacturers. The diverse displays included farm tools, bio-inputs, seeds, and value-added products. Innovations developed at IISR, such as bio-capsules and unique spice varieties, were also featured.
Additionally, the Udyamitha Business Meet was organized, where ICAR institutes, Kerala Agricultural University and NIFTEM Thanjavur presented their ready-to-market technologies. Entrepreneurial support schemes were also introduced by institutions such as the District Industries Centre, MSME-DFO and Department of Agriculture.
On the third day, the Udyamika – Women Entrepreneurs Conclave was held at the institute, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the agriculture and spice sectors.
The event concluded with a valedictory session, during which Shri P. Prasad, Minister for Agriculture, Kerala, commended IISR for its continuous support of entrepreneurial efforts. He also highlighted recent research initiatives, such as the spice-infused jaggery mix and technologies aimed at reducing wildlife-related damage to crops.
Honourable Minister presented awards for the best exhibition stalls and innovative products. Additionally, he handed over license agreements for the production of seed materials of IISR varieties – IISR Surasa, IISR Surya, and IISR Vajra – to the respective recipients.
