The convocation ceremony was graced by Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, principal scientific adviser to Government of India, as chief guest Devesh Deval, joint secretary, MoFPI; and Shyam Sunder Agarwal, managing director, Bikanervala, attended the ceremony as guests of honour. Professor V. Ramgopal Rao, chairperson, board of governors (BoG), NIFTEM-K presided over the function.
A total of 262 students were awarded degrees — 126 B Tech, 92 M Tech, 27 MBA, and 17 PhD — while seven meritorious students received gold medals for their outstanding academic achievements.
In his address, Sood praised NIFTEM-K’s role in shaping the nation’s food processing ecosystem. He highlighted that even in the age of Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, “food remains the most fundamental human need.” Citing that 2.6 billion people globally cannot afford a healthy diet, he urged young technologists to combine science, technology, and compassion to develop innovative, nutritious, and affordable food solutions for all. He further remarked that NIFTEM needs to play a pivotal role in driving the food sector in the country through innovations and deep tech research. He also suggested some of the upcoming areas for research for the Institute.
Deval congratulated the graduates, noting that convocation marks one of the most defining milestones in their lives. He reiterated MoFPI’s strong support for the institute’s continued growth. He encouraged students to leverage government initiatives such as the PMFME Scheme to emerge as job creators in the food sector.
Rao expressed confidence that NIFTEM-K is on its way to becoming the “IIT of Food Technology”, setting new benchmarks in education, research, and innovation, but also remarked that it has to attain the status of “IIM of Management” too. Professor Rao emphasised that NIFTEM was conceived as a place where science meets the farmer and innovation meets industry and it was thought that NIFTEM will be a Global reference point in Food Science. Shyam Sunder Agarwal, Managing Director, Bikanervala, inspired students to take Indian food to the global market through a “Local for Global” vision, emphasising alignment with evolving industry trends.
Presenting the annual report, Dr. H.S. Oberoi, Director, NIFTEM-K, outlined key institutional achievements-17 patents filed, 1 granted, 18 technologies transferred, and 16 new technologies developed, 115 research papers published in Scopus indexed journals. The institute signed 15 MoUs with industries and government agencies, and supported 15 startups, including Repeat Good Pvt. Ltd. and The Naturik Company, both of which gained national recognition on Shark Tank India.NIFTEM-K also initiated 23 new projects across food technology domains and contributed to rural empowerment through the establishment of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under central schemes in Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
In the evening, NIFTEM-K celebrated its 13th Foundation Day with distinguished guests, including Dr. V.K. Paul, member, NITI Aayog, as Chief Guest. He underscored that institutions like NIFTEM-K must be powered by science and innovation, fostering laboratories that “never sleep” — places of curiosity and creativity. Citing AIIMS’s pioneering salt iodisation initiative, he illustrated how impactful scientific research can transform society. Dr Paul reminded everyone that the students are the true assets of any Institute and teachers are their role models. He also remarked that NIFTEM in a very short time has become a brand of its own and all its stakeholders should work cohesively to further ameliorate the brand image of NIFTEM-K.
Rao and Dr Aswani Pareek, executive director, NABI, Mohali, congratulated the NIFTEM-K fraternity on its remarkable journey and commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Aditya Bagri, director, Bagrry’s and guest of honour lauded the strong foundation of talent established by NIFTEM-K and its role in nurturing exceptional professionals for the food industry. He narrated his company’s persistent efforts in developing new food products and gave a strong message that “We must learn to fail.”
