President Of India Felicitates Winners Of World Food India Processing Start-Up Awards at Valedictory Session

With a vision to recognize budding entrepreneurs in the food processing sector, World Food India Start-up awards concluded on 6th November with the announcement of top three winners. It was organized by Ministry of Food Processing. Oak Analytics was announced as the winner for the event followed by Intello Labs and Y cook as first runner up and second runner up respectively.  All three winners were felicitated by President Ram Nath Kovind and won a cash price of 3 lakhs, 2 lakhs and 1 lakh respectively.

The awards recognized budding entrepreneurs who have a potential to contribute towards the growth & development of food processing sector through innovative technology across the processed food value. Out of 169 applications, 20 were shortlisted from all over India, which were further funnelled into top 3 applications in the second round.  It gave the budding entrepreneurs an opportunity to interact with top international and domestic leaders and help get a recognition amongst stakeholders in the Food Processing Sector. Additionally, free exhibition space was provided to the shortlisted applicants

Commenting about the initiative Mr. Nitin Puri, Senior President, Yes Bank Ltd said, “Food Processing Start-up awards has given us the opportunity to voice out the concern of food wastage in India and applicants came up with unique solutions to minimize food wastage and addressed issues related to safety, hygiene and leakages in the supply chain. We are elated to see over whelming response and out of Box ideas from young talent of country”. 

Mr. Rana Kapoor, MD & CEO, YES BANK & Chairman, YES Global Institute said, “India’s Food Processing industry is a vital economic growth driver and is playing a key role in doubling farmer’s value added income and ensuring food security. World Food India is an ideal global platform to showcase India’s diverse food ecosystem, unique ingredients availability, investment opportunities, infrastructure, ease of doing business, unique innovation culture and skilled resource base – all of which can boost India’s position as a ‘global food factory and sourcing supply chain hub.”

The awards encountered dynamic response from growing startups, students and entrepreneurs and examined the key challenges in the food processing sector. The awards were also supported by YES Global Institute, the practicing think tank at YES BANK and a-IDEA - Technology Business Incubator of NAARM, were judged by a jury comprising of representations from the Government, investors, industry and technology incubators.