Kufos to establish Indias first Atal Incubation Centre in fisheries at the University

Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) has received a 10 crore grant from NITI Aayog to develop India's first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in fisheries. According to university officials here on Monday, the funding will create an environment of creativity and technical growth. According to the university, NITI Ayog is the government of India's foremost policy think tank, and the funding provided to Kufos is a substantial boost to innovation and entrepreneurship.

The AIC programme is part of the Atal Innovation Mission, which aims to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across the country's diverse sectors. Kufos will lead the "transformative project as its principal investigator" under the direction of Radhika Rajasree, professor and director of the Department of Fish Processing Technology. The AIC at KUFOS will focus on fostering research, technical progress, and entrepreneurship in the fisheries and related areas. It seeks to encourage advancement in the fisheries sector by providing a nurturing environment for start-ups and innovative enterprises in the region. The hub is projected to have a significant influence on the economic growth of the entire region.

The AIC will promote relationships among academia, business, and government, with the goal of increasing knowledge transfer and commercialization of research outputs. Furthermore, it will play an important role in employment creation by creating an enabling environment for start-ups and entrepreneurs to thrive. Kufos is a pioneering organisation devoted to excellence in fisheries and ocean studies teaching, research, and outreach. Through creative solutions, the institution addresses major difficulties faced by marine ecosystems and fishing communities.