Three teams awarded at AgriPitch Fest 2023 of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

NEW DELHI: The School of Post Graduate Studies of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) organised a one-day innovation competition in food and agriculture ‘Agri PitchFest 2023’ today.

The competition was supported by E-YUVA centre, which is functioning in the TNAU’s plant biotechnology department. The event aimed at training the participants to solve pressing problems relevant to food and agriculture prevailing in the current scenario and give them an exposure to the startup ecosystem.

A total of 30 student teams from constituent and affiliated colleges of TNAU submitted their solutions for the problems identified for the competition. After a preliminary screening, 12 teams were shortlisted for the final round.

Winners

The ideas presented by them included functional foods from coconut milk, bio packaging material from fruit and vegetable waste, eco-friendly soil nutrient management, quality storage of food grains and others. The three best ideas (Rehumane, Molecular Maestros & Biomilk pack innovators) were awarded cash prizes of Rs 5,000, Rs 3,000 and Rs 2000. The first place was grabbed by AC and RI, Madurai campus, second place by AC and RI, Coimbatore campus and third place by AEC and RI, Coimbatore.

TNAU Centre for Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology director N Senthil, in the inaugural address, emphasised on the importance of entrepreneurship for the society and encouraged the young minds to come up with innovative startup ideas. E-YUVA centre of TNAU helps undergraduate, postgraduate and post -doctoral students for validating their ideas.

Also Read | Punjab Agricultural University holds national symposium; 300 scientists participate

Executive Director Grenera Nutrients (P) Ltd, Erode, Senthil Ramesh Subramaniam in his special address mentioned three key points to the students to become entrepreneurs. “The proposed novel ideas should solve a pressing problem prevailing in the market, initial funds should be mobilised from banks/ angel investors. Seeking funds from investors will help them gain visibility and popularity for their product,” he added.