The Central University of Punjab (CU Punjab), Bathinda, achieved another significant milestone in strengthening its innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem with the formal launch of the NIDHI Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (NIDHI-iTBI), the CUP Research & Development Foundation (CUPRDF), and the inauguration of the pilot manufacturing facility of M/s Suspack Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a startup incubated at CUPRDF that is working on sustainable disposable tableware made from rice straw.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, Director, IIT Ropar; Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor; Prof. Kiran Hazarika, Pro Vice-Chancellor; Dr. C.S. Yadav, Scientist-C, Department of Science & Technology (DST); Dr. Vijay Sharma, Registrar; and Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma, Finance Officer. Chief Guest Prof. Rajeev Ahuja and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari also unveiled the inauguration plaque in the presence of board members, faculty members, research scholars, startup founders, innovators, and students.
On this occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Anjana Munshi, Project Director, CUPRDF, and Dr. Akshay Nag, CEO, CUPRDF, welcomed the dignitaries and briefed them about the facilities and activities of the foundation. Established under the NIDHI Scheme of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, CUPRDF, aims to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem by supporting technology-driven ventures, rural innovations, sustainable manufacturing, and entrepreneurship development.
M/s Suspack Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has received incubation and financial support of ₹8.30 lakh under the Ignition Grant Scheme of CUPRDF. The startup focuses on converting rice and paddy straw into eco-friendly disposable tableware, offering sustainable alternatives to conventional products while contributing to agri-waste management.
Following the inauguration, the dignitaries visited various incubation and innovation facilities developed at CUPRDF with support from DST and the host institution. These included a pilot-scale food processing facility, Design & Development (D&D) Lab, FAB Lab with fabrication and mechanical workshop facilities, advanced 3D printing infrastructure, conference hall, cafeteria, and shared startup office spaces.
The dignitaries appreciated the startup’s innovative approach towards agri-waste utilization, environmental sustainability, and circular economy practices. They observed that such technologies have strong potential to address stubble-burning challenges while creating employment and sustainable business opportunities.
The programme also featured an interactive session where incubated startups showcased their innovative products and technologies. Ayucare Healthcare & Diagnostics, led by Dr. Sunil Singh and Dr. Ravindresh Chhabra, presented its ready-to-use HPV detection strip for early screening of cervical cancer.
Uttchar Innovations LLP, led by Dr. Meenu Arora and Dr. Archana Rani, showcased its work on converting paddy stubble into biochar for sustainable agricultural applications. Harinarayan Recyclers Private Limited, led by Dr. Vivek Sharma, also presented its initiatives in PET waste recycling and circular economy solutions.
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja appreciated the efforts of CUPRDF in building a vibrant innovation ecosystem and expressed confidence that the incubator would emerge as a major hub for entrepreneurship and technology development in the region. He also commended the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari in promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, sustainable manufacturing, and startup culture at CU Punjab.