New Delhi: In a decisive move to accelerate innovation in India’s food processing ecosystem, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in collaboration with Startup India, has launched the third edition of the Food Processing Startup Grand Challenge.
The national-level initiative aims to scout, support, and scale groundbreaking technologies that address critical challenges in the food value chain.
Also Read: India–UK CETA Set to Propel Seafood Industry with 70 Per Cent Export Growth Potential
The Food Processing Startup Grand Challenge 3.0 invites applications from startups and innovators working on transformative solutions in four core areas:
- Sustainable and Smart Packaging
- AI-based Automation and Sensor Technologies for MSMEs
- Alternative Proteins with Advanced Amino Acid Profiles
- Food Safety and Traceability Systems
The last date to apply is 16th August 2025. The food processing startup grand challenge is open to Indian nationals, including individual entrepreneurs and startups across various stages — from ideation and validation to early traction and scaling.
Food Processing Startup Grand Challenge: Program Incentives and Benefits
- Top 6 ideas will receive ₹4 lakh each as cash prizes from MoFPI.
- Winners will also receive pro-bono incubation and acceleration support valued up to ₹2.5 lakh.
- Shortlisted startups will get an opportunity to pilot and validate their innovations with NIFTEM-Thanjavur, a premier food technology institute.
MoFPI emphasized that the Grand Challenge is designed to address India’s pressing needs in food sustainability, nutrition, and waste reduction while supporting the larger vision of becoming a global innovation hub in food processing.
The initiative encourages participants from a wide range of industries including food & beverages, biotechnology, AI, IoT, healthcare, and green technology, thereby fostering cross-disciplinary innovation.
Also Read: Godrej Food Trends Report 2025 Predicts Surge in Frozen Gourmet Snacks, Heritage Spirits
Applications will be assessed on novelty, feasibility, market potential, and impact. Finalists will be mentored and given a platform to field-test their solutions, helping bring research and technology from lab to market.
Contact for Queries:
- Prof V Palanimuthu, Director, NIFTEM-Thanjavur
- Email: hodfbm@iifpt.edu.in
For more information and to apply, visit Startup India portal.
