The 1st Indian Fisheries Students Innovation & Startup Conference (IFSISC 2025), organized by Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU) on March 14, 2025, at the TANUVAS AMMA Auditorium, Madhavaram, Chennai, successfully promoted innovation, entrepreneurship, and research in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. With the theme "Reimagining Indian Fisheries @2047," the conference brought together 475 students from across India who presented 265 innovative ideas through technical sessions, panel discussions, a startup hackathon (FISHATHON 1.0), and poster presentations. The conference focused on seven thematic areas, including sustainable aquaculture technologies, seafood processing innovations, genetics and biotechnology, environmental management, fishing technology, market dynamics, and entrepreneurship. The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (Fisheries Science), ICAR, New Delhi, as Chief Guest, who emphasized the role of research in fisheries and released souvenir, and Dr. Bijay Kumar Behera, Chief Executive, NFDB, Hyderabad, as Guest of Honour, who stressed collaboration in the sector. Dr. N. Felix, Vice-Chancellor, TNJFU, delivered the Presidential Address and highlighted the role of fisheries sector in 2047. Dr. B. Ahilan, Convener gave welcome address and Dr. T. Anand, Organizing Secretary gave vote of thanks in the inaugural session. The investor panel discussion moderated by Mr. S. Chandrasekar with the panel of experts, including Mr. Ravikumar Yellanki (Vaisakhi Bio-Marine Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Reihem Roy (Omnivore Capital Management Advisors Pvt. Ltd.), Mr. Dhrubajyoti Banerjee (Godrej Agrovet Ltd.), Mr. Hari Krishnan (Lok Capital), and Dr. Neil (Sheng Long Bio-Tech India Pvt. Ltd.), deliberated investment trends in aquaculture and fisheries. A startup panel, moderated by Mrs. S.J. Abisha Juliet Mary (TNJFU), explored commercialization opportunities with insights from Mr. Arpan Bhalerao (Aquaconnect), Dr. Debtanu Barman (Aqua Doctor Solutions), Mr. S. Muthukaruppan (Poseidon Biotech), Dr. N. Dinesh Kumar (Trishul Biotech), and Mr. Shaurya Agarwal (Blue Wave Aquaculture). FISHATHON 1.0 enabled students to pitch their innovative ideas, with selected participants receiving incubation and mentorship support. Poster and prototype evaluations resulted in 11 awards for best posters and 12 for best models. During the Startup Pitch, six finalists presented their ideas, winning cash prizes of Rs. 5000 each, with AquaCop - An Autonomous Aquatic Drone for Smart Aquaculture Management by Mr. Yogeshwaran V.V from West Bengal University of Animal & Fishery Sciences winning the prestigious Prof. Dr. Nandeesha Best National Startup Award. The Valedictory Function, held at 6:00 PM, was presided over by Dr. N. Subbaiyan, IAS, Secretary to the Government (Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries & Fishermen Welfare, Tamil Nadu), who stressed the importance of sustained improvements in fisheries, while Dr. N. Felix highlighted the success of the event and future directions. In the valedictory function, Dr. B. Ahilan, Convener welcomed the gathering and Dr. T. Anand, Organizing Secretary, concluded the event with a Vote of Thanks. The conference provided seamless logistical support, ensuring a smooth experience for participants. The event underscored the importance of fostering a startup culture, advancing biotechnological innovations, strengthening international collaborations, promoting sustainable resource management, and enhancing investment opportunities in fisheries. The success of IFSISC 2025 has laid the foundation for future editions,inspiring innovation and sustainable growth in India’s fisheries sector.
