KOCHI: Aimed at facilitating fisheries-based business incubation and startups, the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) will set up a fisheries technology and business incubator (FTBI) at the recently- launched Centre for Advanced Training and Research under the varsity.
KUFOS launched the Centre in collaboration with KITCO Ltd to promote entrepreneurial initiatives among students supporting innovations in fisheries, ocean resources, agri-business and rural industries.
“At the initial stage, KITCO will provide entrepreneurship development training and skill development programmes to KUFOS students in line with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), initiated by the Government of India,” said varsity authorities.
Providing opportunities to a wider spectrum, the Centre will utilise the schemes of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India. “On obtaining the approval from DST, the Fisheries TBI will be eligible for various grants and benefits offered by both the State and Central governments. The schemes will act a source of fund for developing the FTBI,” they said.
A competent governing board will coordinate the functions of FTBI and will work for connecting and establishing a wide network with the industry. The board will also manage financial, tax-related and regulator compliance and the MoUs with various stakeholders.
“The objective of the entrepreneurship development centre and FTBI is to encourage students in investing their innovative ideas and developing business entrepreneurship in fisheries and allied sectors,” said KUFOS VC B Madhusoodana Kurup. “Students will be trained to become entrepreneurs in areas of aquaculture, food processing, value-addition, feed formulation, seed production, consultancy and drug formulation,” he said.
The centre is functioning under the School of Management and Entrepreneurship, KUFOS.