Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU), and National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, jointly conducted one-day “Fisheries-Startup & Aquapreneurship Stakeholders Meet” on 19th December, 2025, at the Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies (IFPGS), Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai.The programme was organized with the objective of strengthening the fisheries startup and aquapreneurship ecosystem by bringing together scientists, policymakers, entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and other key stakeholders to promote innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The programme commenced with registration and lighting of the lamp.
The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. N. Felix, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, TNJFU, Nagapattinam, who in his presidential address emphasized the initiatives and role of TNJFU to promote the startups, importance of startups and technological innovations in transforming the fisheries sector and enhancing livelihood opportunities. Dr. Saravanan Raj, Director (Agricultural Extension), MANAGE, Hyderabad, delivered a detailed overview of the programme and highlighted the initiatives and activities of the MANAGE–Fisheries Innovation and Startup Hub (MANAGE-FISHub).
Felicitation addresses were delivered by eminent dignitaries including Dr.R.Narayana Kumar, Principal Scientist and Scientist-in-Charge, ICAR-CMFRI, Madras Regional Station; Dr. P. K. Patil, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), Chennai; Mr. P. Pradeepkumar, Deputy Director (Mariculture), Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu; and Mr. Murugan Chidambaram, Chief Technology Officer, Aquaconnect, Chennai followed by the technical sessions featured experience sharing by fisheries startups, startup exhibitions and networking, and startup pitch presentations, which provided a dynamic platform for interaction, idea exchange, and potential collaborations among startups, institutions, and industry stakeholders.
The concluding remarks were delivered by Dr. A. Uma, Dean, IFPGS, TNJFU. Before the start of the program, Dr. A. Gopalakannan, Director of Extension Education (i/c), TNJFU, welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Santhosh Kumar, Program Coordinator, MANAGE-FISHub. The stakeholders meet received an enthusiastic response from participants and was widely appreciated for its role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnerships in the fisheries and aquaculture sector, reaffirming TNJFU’s commitment to supporting fisheries-based startups and aquapreneurs. More than 100 beneficiaries participated and benefitted by this program including policymakers, entrepreneurs, startups, investors, key stakeholders and students
