NIFTEM-K Introduces Innovative Technologies to Propel Food Processing Sector Growth

New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-K) has marked significant advancements in 2024 by introducing innovative technologies designed to enhance growth in the nation's food processing industry, according to a year-end review from the Ministry of Food Processing released on Monday.

The Institute’s pioneering innovations that showcase its technical expertise and dedication to sustainable food processing include:

• SARTHI Technology: Showcasing the fusion of advanced digital technologies with sensors.

• Hybrid Drying and Biodegradable Film: A concept for hybrid drying along with the creation of fully biodegradable film devoid of plasticizers.

• Rapid Detection Kits: Kits designed for identifying pesticides in tea and hazardous substances like acrylamides and aflatoxins through the use of nanosensors and enzyme inhibition techniques.

The Institute’s pavilion at World Food India (WFI) 2024 was a standout event of the year, showcasing various innovations, including ready-to-cook and millet-based products, Vitamin B2 and B12 fortified yoghurts, functional foods, ghee powder, vitamin D-rich snacks, biochar from corn cobs, and cutting-edge equipment such as the Boondi-making machine and 3D printing models, as stated in the report.

These advancements garnered significant interest from stakeholders across the food industry, underscoring NIFTEM-K’s pivotal role in promoting technological progress, the report indicated.

Another notable achievement for NIFTEM-K in 2024 was the admission of 184 B.Tech. students from 22 states. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the increasing recognition of food science and technology's potential among youth and society. It reinforces the Institute’s status as a center for academic excellence and innovation, as per the official report.

NIFTEM-K has also made significant contributions to empowering rural communities through its Village Adoption Program. The flagship Village Adoption Program (VAP) reached its 19th edition in 2024, impacting 21 villages across nine states. With participation from over 360 students and mentorship from 50 faculty members, the program fostered income generation and entrepreneurship in food processing, tackled social issues, increased awareness of government food policies, and facilitated technology transfer to rural communities, ensuring sustainable development. This initiative highlights NIFTEM-K’s commitment to connecting academia with grassroots communities.

Additionally, NIFTEM-K signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 11 esteemed companies, including Hindustan Unilever, Nestle R&D Centre, TetraPak, and Marico. Collaborations with five academic institutions, such as IIT Bombay and AIIA, further bolstered its research capabilities. These partnerships emphasize collaborative research and new product development, technology transfers, and student exchange programs, as well as the establishment of centers of excellence and joint degree offerings.

NIFTEM-K also successfully transferred five innovative technologies to food companies and startups during WFI-2024, demonstrating the practical impact of its research efforts.

The Institute has played a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship and a startup culture. The SUFALAM 24 event, a StartUp Forum for Aspiring Leaders and Mentors, provided a transformative platform for collaboration among academia, startups, and industry leaders. This annual event united diverse stakeholders to shape the future of the food processing sector, as noted in the official report.

In partnership with HDFC Bank Ltd., NIFTEM-K awarded grants to eight startups under the NSIP 4 program. These startups will receive incubation support, access to pilot plants, advanced lab facilities, and mentorship. The Institute aims to assist over 300 startups in the next five years, promoting innovation-driven growth in the food industry.

NIFTEM-K also concentrated on addressing climate change in agro-food systems by organizing the National Conference on Efficient Food Processing for Environmental & Climate-Change Trends (EFFECT). Key discussions centered on climate-smart food processing, the utilization of renewable energy, and waste valorization to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

The conference fostered collaborations with delegates from FAO, ICAR, CSIR Institutes, and leading food companies, paving the way for innovative research in this critical sector.

Moreover, NIFTEM-K’s global presence expanded notably in 2024. A significant milestone was signing an MoU with the University of Melbourne, Australia, which is ranked 13th in the QS World University rankings. This partnership is set to enhance research programs, student exchange initiatives, and potentially joint degree offerings. The Institute also hosted visits from ambassadors and senior officials from Chile, Japan, and Australia, generating renewed interest in its activities from top-tier academic institutions in the US, Canada, Italy, and Thailand, as indicated in the report.