Spice Start-Up Conclave to Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship Kozhikode

The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode is set to host a three-day startup conclave titled “Rise Up” from February 19 to 21, aimed at inspiring innovative ideas and promoting entrepreneurship in the spice industry. Organized in collaboration with the Kerala Startup Mission, the conclave will feature an Ideathon, where students, entrepreneurs, and startups are invited to submit their creative proposals online by February 15.

The aim of the event is to address contemporary challenges in spice cultivation and processing while enhancing value addition, with sessions focused on themes such as the future of spice-based entrepreneurship and technological advancements within the industry. The Ideathon will cover six critical topics:

Development of quick onsite tools for detecting pesticides and adulteration in spices.
Designing novel harvesters for spice crops.
AI-based tools for early detection of pests and diseases.
Solutions for managing pesticide residues.
Creative uses for by-products from spice cultivation.
Innovative sustainable cultivation techniques addressing human-wildlife conflict.
George Ninan, Director of the ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, will inaugurate the Ideathon, while P. Prasad, the State Agriculture Minister, is slated to be the chief guest for the valedictory function on February 20.

Teams with up to five members may participate, and selected ideas will be presented on the event’s first day. An exhibition showcasing over 70 entrepreneurs will also take place at IISR during February 20 and 21, offering further networking opportunities and exposure for participants.

The total prize pool for the Ideathon amounts to ₹100,000, with additional support promised by IISR for the development of promising ideas. This initiative aims to drive innovation within the spice sector and cultivate a new generation of entrepreneurs dedicated to enhancing the industry.

For more information, interested parties can register and submit their ideas online until the deadline.