Millet snacks, solar dryers, probiotic products and rapid adulteration detection technologies emerge as key highlights at National Technology Day event

India’s food processing innovation ecosystem took centre stage at Vigyan TECH 2026, with National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM-Kundli) presenting a range of advanced technologies aimed at strengthening sustainable food processing, nutrition innovation and indigenous value-added products.

The event, organised on National Technology Day at BRIC-National Institute of Immunology in New Delhi, was inaugurated by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Jitendra Singh.

Held under the theme “Building India’s Innovation Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat”, the programme brought together 14 science and technology ministries and departments on a unified national platform for the first time.

Key Highlights

• National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management showcased major food processing innovations at Vigyan TECH 2026
• 23 NIFTEM technologies featured in the national technology compendium “TECH-Sangrah”
• Three food technologies transferred to industry partners and startups
• Focus areas included:
  • Millet-based snacks
  • Solar hybrid drying systems
  • Functional and probiotic foods
  • Adulteration detection technologies
• Rapid contaminant detection kits attracted strong attention from policymakers and scientists
• Event highlighted India’s growing science, startup and innovation ecosystem

NIFTEM-Kundli Unveils Industry-Ready Food Technologies

Under the leadership of Prof. H. S. Oberoi, National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management drew attention for its contribution to India’s food processing and agri-innovation sectors.

Three technologies were formally transferred to industry partners and startups during the event:

Hybrid Solar Dryer Technologies

The institute showcased:

• Evacuated Tube Solar Hybrid Dryer
• Hybrid Greenhouse Solar Dryer

These technologies are aimed at promoting energy-efficient and sustainable food drying solutions for processors and agri-enterprises.

Protein and Fibre-Rich Granola Bar

NIFTEM-K also introduced a ready-to-eat high-protein and fibre-rich granola bar technology designed for the rapidly expanding health and wellness food market.

Millet and Multigrain Extruded Snack Technologies

The institute showcased value-added snack innovations including:

• Millet puffs
• Dal puffs
• Multigrain puffs
• Sweet potato puffs
• Nachos

The technologies align with India’s growing focus on millet promotion, healthy snacking and indigenous ingredient-based food innovation.

Rapid Detection Kits and Functional Foods Gain Attention

Among the most discussed innovations at the exhibition were rapid detection technologies for:

• Food adulterants
• Water contaminants
• Artificial fruit ripening agents
• Adulteration in tea leaves and paneer

NIFTEM-K also displayed:

• Gluten-free products
• Honey and ghee powder
• Probiotic kanji powder
• Vitamin D-enriched mushroom flour
• Functional healthy snacks

The institute’s probiotic and food safety technologies reportedly attracted strong interest from policymakers, scientists and visitors.

India’s Innovation Ecosystem Expands Rapidly

Speaking at the event, Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s rapid rise as a global innovation-driven economy.

According to the minister:

• India’s startup ecosystem has expanded from around 400 startups in 2014 to over two lakh startups today
• India is now the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem
• The country’s Global Innovation Index ranking improved from 80 to 38
• India ranks sixth globally in patent filings

A message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, delivered during the event, emphasised the importance of collaborative scientific innovation for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.