Telangana govt launches grand challenge for innovation in food processing
Startups and innovators across India can submit their unique value propositions for strengthening the food processing sector in Telangana.
Hyderabad The Telangana State Innovation Cell (TSIC) in collaboration with the Telangana State Food Processing Society (TSFPS), Government of Telangana has launched the poster for Innovation in Food Processing- Grand Challenge, inviting startups and innovators across India.
The poster was launched by State Industries Minister KT Rama Rao, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav, Agriculture & Co-operation Minister Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, NITI Aayog Member Dr Ramesh Chand, Industries & ITEC Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, and other dignitiaries.
On the occasion, Singireddy Niranjan Reddy pointed out that there is a need for innovation in the agriculture and food processing sectors to make Telangana a leading exporter at global level.
Regarding the launch of the Grand Challenge, Akhil Kumar Gawar, Director of TSFPS, said, “Innovation has always been one of the primary drivers for sustainable development in Telangana, and especially in the agri-food processing.”
“This grand challenge is a collective effort of TSIC and TSFPS to identify unique propositions from startups and innovators across India in the areas of plant machinery, quality check, storage and godown monitoring of various commodities. The challenge aims to map innovations to enhance the rural food processing businesses.”
Dr Shanta Thoutam, Chief Innovation Officer of Telangana, said, “The Telangana State Innovation Cell is nurturing innovation across the state by spearheading impact driven initiatives including this grand challenge to scout affordable innovations in food processing from innovators, startups, women from self help groups (SHGs) and youth. The TSIC, along with TSFPS, is happy to contribute towards Telangana heralding the five revolutions addressing both the technical & infra related gaps with this marquee initiative.”
The aim of this challenge is to recognise the Business to Government (B2G) startups and innovators and give them an opportunity to present their solutions and value propositions to the TSFPS on the pertinent problems faced by the organisation. The objective is to easing the start-up-procurement process by the government and enhancing the standards of local food processing businesses by inculcating innovation.
The products will be focusing on the aspects of storage, processing machinery, packaging, distribution, quality and safety check by development of machinery, integrated tech platform for storage and payment, AI/IOT based real-time godown monitoring, traceability to monitor commodity quality, bio degradable post- harvest packaging. The products will solve the problems faced with red chilli, spices, millets, cereals, custard apple and other commodities in a prescribed price limit.
