Vigyan TECH 2026 held at BRIC-NII; NIFTEM-Kundli presents pivotal achievements in food processing research and innovation

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated Vigyan TECH 2026 on the occasion of National Technology Day at BRIC-NII, New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Singh stated that while India has always possessed exceptional scientific capability, the past nearly twelve year period has ushered in an unprecedented national push for science, technology and innovation, firmly positioning India among the leading global knowledge economies.

Dr. Singh highlighted India’s remarkable expansion in innovation and entrepreneurship, noting that the country’s startup ecosystem has grown from 350–400 startups in 2014 to over two lakhs today, making it the third-largest globally. He further underscored India’s sharp rise in global innovation metrics (Global Innovation Index) ranking improving from 80 to 38, and India now standing 6th globally in patent filings, with more than one lakh annual patents, over 55% filed by Indian residents. India has also emerged among the world’s top contributors to high-quality scientific publications and innovation-led research.

Hon’ble Minister inaugurated the technology exhibition and interacted with participating institutions at the event themed “Building India’s Innovation Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat.” For the first time, fourteen Science & Technology Ministries and Departments came together on a unified platform to showcase collaborative national efforts. The programme also featured the release of “TECH-संग्रह”, a compendium of indigenous technologies developed by autonomous institutions of participating Ministries, along with MoU exchanges and announcements of major technology transfers. Distinguished dignitaries included Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India; Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences; and senior officials from DST, CSIR, ICMR, NITI Aayog and other scientific organizations.

A special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivered by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, conveyed greetings on National Technology Day and commended the multi-ministerial collaboration in strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem.

Under the visionary leadership of Dr. H. S. Oberoi, NIFTEM-Kundli, the national level apex institute of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries drew significant attention at Vigyan TECH 2026 for its contributions to India’s food processing ecosystem through cutting-edge research, innovations and technologies.

A compendium of technologies, Vigyan Sangraha, was released by the Hon’ble Union Minister during the National Technology Day celebrations. Notably, 23 cutting-edge technologies developed by NIFTEM-K have featured in this compendium, out of a total of 293 technologies contributed by various Science & Technology organizations in the country. During the event, three technologies from NIFTEM-K were successfully transferred to industry partners and start-ups, which include:

• Hybrid Dryer Technologies: Evacuated Tube Solar Hybrid Dryer and Hybrid Greenhouse Solar Dryer
  Promoting clean-energy-based, efficient drying systems for sustainable food processing.

• Protein & Fiber Rich Granola Bar Technology
  A high-nutrition, ready-to-eat formulation targeting the expanding health and wellness market.

• Extruded Product Technologies: Featuring Millet Puffs, Dal Puffs, Multigrain Puffs, Sweet Potato Puffs and Nachos, supporting value addition of indigenous cereals and tubers.

These technology transfers reflect NIFTEM-Kundli’s mission to advance indigenous innovations and promote industry-ready solutions for India’s rapidly evolving food processing sector. In addition, ten technologies from NIFTEM-K were identified for inclusion in the exhibition, which included, Advanced rapid detection methods for contaminants and adulterants in water, tea leaves and paneer and method for detection of fruits ripened using calcium carbide; gluten free products, honey and ghee powder; probiotic kanji powder; vitamin D enriched mushroom flour and other healthy snacks having a positive impact on health. Rapid detection kits for adulterants and contaminants and probiotic products caught the immediate attention of PSA, Secretaries, Directors of different Institutes, other dignitaries and visitors during the exhibition.

In his concluding remarks, Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood described Vigyan TECH 2026 as a landmark “whole-of-government” initiative, emphasizing the need for technological convergence across Ministries and scientific institutions to address emerging challenges in health, climate change, agriculture, food systems and national development.

The event concluded with a collective resolve to intensify scientific collaboration, accelerate innovation-driven growth and steer India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @ 2047.