Vetrix 2026 opens new avenues for agri-entrepreneurs

From turning novel ideas into viable businesses to developing solutions that could benefit farmers, young innovators explored the entrepreneurial potential of veterinary science and animal husbandry at Vetrix 2026, a national-level ideathon organised at Mannuthy in Thrissur.

Jointly organised by the K-AgTech LaunchPad of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, recently, the event provided a platform for students, researchers and aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase innovative ideas in veterinary science, animal husbandry and allied sectors.

T. Sajitha Rani, Vice-Chancellor of KAU, inaugurated the ideathon at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

In her inaugural address, she said Vetrix 2026 marked a new beginning in the collaboration between K-AgTech LaunchPad and KVASU. She expressed confidence that the partnership would lead to joint ventures and innovative initiatives that would benefit farmers.

Winners

A total of 30 innovative ideas were presented across three thematic areas. Richard Sabu and his team from Sahodaya College of Engineering and Technology, Thrissur, won the first prize of ₹10,000 and a certificate of merit. Chinmayashree and her team from the Verghese Kurien Institute of Dairy and Food Technology secured the second prize, while Aishwarya Shivadas and her team from the College of Dairy Science, Pookode, won the third prize.

Allan Thomas, Director and Principal Investigator of K-AgTech LaunchPad, announced that the first-prize-winning team would also receive incubation support from the LaunchPad to help develop its idea into a potential venture.

Vetrix 2026 sought to bridge the gap between innovation and entrepreneurship by encouraging young minds to explore business opportunities in veterinary science and animal husbandry. The initiative also aimed to strengthen inter-university collaboration and promote technologies and ventures that could contribute to the development of the livestock sector and improve farmers’ livelihoods.