Startup Grand Challenge in Food Sector 3.0 (India)

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) is a leading industry association in India that plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and policy advocacy. Established in 1927, FICCI works closely with the government, industry leaders, and policymakers to address key challenges and create opportunities for sustainable growth across sectors. It actively promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology-driven solutions to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global marketplace. FICCI’s initiatives span diverse industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and food processing, among others. It conducts various national and international programs, conferences, and events to provide a platform for businesses and startups to showcase their innovations. By collaborating with ministries such as the Ministry of Food Processing and Industries (MoFPI) and initiatives like Startup India, FICCI encourages emerging businesses to solve critical challenges through research and cutting-edge technology. With its focus on fostering a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs, FICCI continues to be a driving force for India’s socio-economic development. Through programs like the World Food India Startup Grand Challenge, it aims to revolutionize the food processing sector and encourage scalable, sustainable, and technology-enabled solutions that meet evolving global demands.

The World Food India 2025 Startup Grand Challenge 3.0, organized by FICCI in collaboration with MoFPI and Startup India, is designed to catalyze innovation in the food processing sector. This national-level challenge seeks disruptive and research-backed ideas that can transform food processing and related industries. It provides an opportunity for startups and entrepreneurs to showcase their solutions in areas like sustainable packaging, AI-based automation for MSMEs, alternate protein sources, and food safety and traceability systems. By offering both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, the challenge aims to accelerate technological advancements and support startups in scaling their innovations. Six top ideas will receive a cash prize of ₹4 lakh each, along with incubation or acceleration support worth up to ₹2.5 lakh. Startups will also gain access to field testing, pilot testing, and technology validation through NIFTEM-Thanjavur. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and industry demands while encouraging sustainable practices. The program also aligns with India’s vision to become a global hub for food processing innovation, fostering solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the sector.