Day 1 – 1 st Indian Fisheries Students Innovation & Startup Conference (IFSISC 2025) on 14.03.2025
TNJFU organised the 1st Indian Fisheries Students Innovation and Startup Conference (IFSISC-2025) themed 'Reimagining Indian Fisheries @2047' in Chennai on 14 th March 2025. 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. So many innovative ideas, novel prototypes were showcased by the students, and insightful conversations and valuable connections were made. A big thanks to all the guests, industry experts, entrepreneurs, academicians, lead speakers, panellists, judges and students for making it a grand success. Special thanks to ICAR, NFDB, NABARD, Shenglong, CMR feeds and TNJFU Alumni Network for sponsoring the event. We had 475 students from 46 colleges across India participating and exhibiting over 180 posters and 85 prototypes in the event. 23 winners from seven thematic areas of poster/ prototype presentation were selected,out of which 6 toppers were chosen for the Startup pitch and were awarded the cash prize of Rs.5000/- each. The final winner of Startup Pitch was awarded with a trophy – ‘TNJFU-Professor Nandeesha National Startup Award.’ The highlight of the event,Aqua Investors Meet featured renowned fisheries industry experts, Mr. Ravikumar Yellanki (Lead Speaker), MD, Vaisakhi Bio-Marine Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Reihem Roy (Lead Speaker), Partner, Omnivore Capital Management Advisors Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Dhrubajyoti Banerjee, CEO, Godrej Agrovet Ltd., Mr. Hari Krishnan, Partner, Lok Capital, Dr. Neil,Nutritionist, Sheng Long Bio-Tech India Pvt. Ltd., as panellists for Investor Panel Discussion on ‘Emerging Trends in Investments in Aquaculture & Fisheries’ and Mr.Arpan Bhalerao (Lead Speaker), CGO, Aquaconnect, Dr. Debtanu Barman (Lead Speaker), CEO, Aqua Doctor Solutions, Mr. S. Muthukaruppan, CEO, Poseidon Biotech, Dr. N. Dinesh Kumar, Head-R&D, Trishul Biotech, Mr. Shaurya Agarwal, CEO,Blue Wave Aquaculture, as panellists for Startup Panel Discussion on ‘Conceiving Ideas and Commercialising innovations’. The Valedictory Function 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.
Day 2 – TNJFU Alumni Network Meeting on 15.03.2025
The TNJFU Alumni Network Meeting was successfully conducted on 15 th March 2025 as part of the TNJFU Alumni Convention. The event brought together over 250 alumni and students, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie, motivation, and professional networking.
The meeting commenced with the arrival of alumni, registration, and networking,followed by an invocation and the traditional lighting of the lamp, setting an auspicious tone for the day.
Dr. B. Ahilan, Dean (Academics) and President of the TNJFU Alumni Network,delivered a warm and engaging welcome address. He emphasized the significance of alumni engagement in strengthening the institution’s legacy and fostering professional growth
within the TNJFU community.
Tmt. R.Gajalakshmi, IAS, Commissioner of Fisheries, delivered an inspiring felicitation talk, sharing valuable insights on self-promotion, goal setting, and perseverance. She particularly encouraged female students and alumni to overcome societal barriers and strive for excellence in their respective fields.
Mr. N.M.Mylvahanan, IPS, IGP, delivered a motivational speech, drawing from his personal life experiences. He underscored the importance of determination, discipline, and continuous self-improvement in achieving career success.
Dr.T.Anand, Organizing Secretary & General Secretary of TNJFU Alumni Network,proposed a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of the distinguished guests, organizing committee, and enthusiastic participants.
Following a tea break, the event resumed with engaging online special lectures from distinguished TNJFU alumni who have excelled in their respective fields abroad. Dr. Antony Jesu Prabu, Senior Scientist at the Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries, and Aquaculture(Nofima), Norway, elaborated on the power of perseverance and determination in achieving career goals. Dr. S. Saravanan, Global Technical Commercial Manager for Trouw Nutrition,Netherlands, emphasized the importance of dreaming big and working systematically to turn aspirations into reality.
A dynamic interactive session between alumni and students was conducted,providing students with an invaluable opportunity to seek guidance, learn from alumni experiences, and network for future career prospects.
The TNJFU Alumni Network General Body Meeting was held, where key discussions and strategic decisions regarding alumni engagement activities and future initiatives were made. Notably, the election of new office bearers for the year 2025 took place, with Dr.N.Felix, Vice-Chancellor of TNJFU, appointed as the Patron. Dr.B.Ahilan continued as President, while Mr.S.Chandrasekar, Head of Aquaculture Utilization - South Asia at the U.S. Soybean Export Council, was elected as Vice President. Dr.T.Anand was re-elected as General Secretary, with Dr.R.Velmurugan appointed as Joint Secretary and Dr.S.Santhoshkumar as Treasurer. The Executive Committee Members included Dr.P.Velayutham, Dr.K.Rengarajan, Dr.V.Rani, Mr.N.Devendran, Dr.D.Manimegalai, Dr.A.Kumaresan, and Mr.G.Janarthanan.
Post-lunch, an entertainment event was organized, allowing alumni and students to relax, socialize, and celebrate their shared bond with TNJFU in a joyous and informal setting.
Day 3 - TNJFU Alumni Homecoming Cricket Match on 16.03.2025
The TNJFU Alumni Homecoming Cricket Match was successfully conducted in the presence of Mr.N.M.Mylvahanan, IPS, IGP, who graced the occasion and encouraged the participants. The event aimed to foster camaraderie and strengthen the bond among alumni while promoting a spirit of sportsmanship.
Dr.B.Ahilan, Convener & President of the TNJFU Alumni Network, inaugurated the first match, marking the beginning of an exciting day of cricket.
Three teams comprised members from TNJFU, the Department of Fisheries, and TNJFU students.
The second match was inaugurated by Mr.A.M.Balaji, adding further excitement to the event. Players displayed excellent teamwork and dedication, making the matches engaging and thrilling for all attendees.
The first match was won by the TNJFU Students Team, whereas the second match was won by the TNJFU Alumni Team. Dr.M.Rajakumar, Director of Research (i/c), TNJFU, and Dr.A.Kumaresan, CP Feeds, presented the winners’ and runners-up trophies,recognizing the outstanding performances of the participants.
The three-day series of events at TNJFU was a resounding success, fostering innovation, professional networking, and alumni engagement. The 1 st Indian Fisheries Students Innovation & Startup Conference (IFSISC 2025) on Day 1 set a strong foundation for advancing fisheries research and entrepreneurship,with students showcasing groundbreaking ideas and receiving mentorship support. The TNJFU Alumni Network Meeting on Day 2 strengthened alumni connections, featuring insightful talks, an engaging interactive session, and the election of new office bearers to guide future initiatives. The TNJFU Alumni Homecoming Cricket Match on Day 3 brought the eventful series to a spirited conclusion, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship among alumni, students, and faculty.Together, these events underscored TNJFU's commitment to innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning, leaving participants with valuable experiences and a renewed sense of purpose in their respective fields.
