The NIDHI-Technology Business Incubator (NIDHI-TBI) successfully organized a dynamic and impactful boot camp during the recently held Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The event served as a vital platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and agri-innovators to showcase their value-added products developed from fruits, vegetables, cereals and pulses. The boot camp highlighted an impressive spectrum of innovations, naming a few, packaged juices, pickles, skincare and haircare products, water-milled (Gharat) packaged flour, cold-pressed oils, millet-based items, vinegars, vegetable powders. These products reflected the participants’ strong focus on sustainability, diversification and value addition in agriculture. Beyond product demonstrations, the event offered incubatees a valuable learning experience, enabling them to sharpen their marketing strategies and enhance sales techniques. Overall, the boot camp not only spotlighted entrepreneurial talent but also reinforced the growing importance of innovation and value addition in strengthening the agri-food sector.

Guided by Dr Ramandeep Singh, Principal Investigator of NIDHI-TBI (DST, GoI) and Director, School of Business Studies (SBS), PAU; and Dr Poonam A Sachdev, Co-Principal Investigator of NIDHI-TBI and Principal Food Technologist, PAU, the boot camp emerged as a significant step in fostering agri-based entrepreneurship. Their mentorship provided participants with critical knowledge and practical insights to strengthen their competitiveness in emerging markets.
The event not only encouraged farmers and entrepreneurs to explore new business avenues but also highlighted the growing importance of value addition in agriculture. It successfully cultivated an entrepreneurial mindset, motivating attendees to adopt innovative approaches and strengthen their agri-business ventures.

By bridging research, innovation, and market viability, the boot camp played a pivotal role in advancing entrepreneurship within the agricultural sector. The team NIDHI-TBI, under the mentorship of the PI and Co-PI - comprising Mr Gurinder Singh, CEO; Mr Sameer Gautam, Business Manager; and Ms Pallavi Kalyan, A&EO - reaffirmed NIDHI-TBI’s commitment to nurturing startups and driving innovation-led growth in agri-based industries. The team actively engaged with farmers, addressed their queries, and spread awareness about the mission and objectives of the project.

As NIDHI-TBI continues to empower budding entrepreneurs and agri-tech innovators, initiatives like this boot camp contribute significantly to building a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future. The impact of the event extends far beyond its duration, inspiring more farmers and entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, enhance the value of their produce, and strengthen the overall agricultural economy.