Central Food Technological Research Institute

What Central Food Technological Research Institute does

Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), headquartered in Mysuru, Karnataka, is a premier Indian food science and technology research institute established in 1950 under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. The institute conducts applied and translational research across food processing, preservation, safety, nutrition, and value addition for cereals, millets, fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, marine products, spices, and plant-based formulations. It operates as a public-sector government entity (501-1000 employees) rather than a profit-maximizing company, with the institute's core technology base anchored in a patent portfolio of 108 Indian and 77 international filings across major food categories and processing equipment.

CFTRI serves four interlocking customer segments: (i) the food processing industry, through technology transfer, licensing, and product co-development (e.g., the Protein Plus Slice and Millet Bun Burger with McDonald's India); (ii) government bodies and religious institutions, through testing, quality assurance, and consultancy (notably the ₹23.5 crore food analysis laboratory for Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams equipped with AI-based e-nose and e-tongue technology); (iii) food technology start-ups via the BIRAC-BioNEST incubation centre and related acceleration infrastructure; and (iv) academic and industry trainees, through M.Sc. Food Technology, AcSIR PhD programmes, IFTTC international training, and short-term skill development courses.

Revenue mechanics are predominantly CSIR grant-funded (subscription-recurring appropriation), supplemented by technology licensing and royalty arrangements with industry, professional services for testing and consultancy, training programme fees, and limited publication sales (e.g., Rs.330 per monograph). Go-to-market is driven by institutional relationships, government references, and event-based visibility such as the RISE Conclave 2026 and the FoodPro quarterly newsletter, rather than traditional sales and marketing. Distribution of CFTRI-developed technologies is executed through licensing agreements (with reach into the US, Japan, UK, Germany, Singapore, Vietnam, and African markets), the Free Technologies portal for SHGs and micro-enterprises, and partnerships with bodies such as NSIC, Spices Board, and Kudumbashree to extend technology access to MSMEs and grassroots entrepreneurs. The institute is governed by a new Director, Dr. Giridhar Parvatam, appointed in 2026.

Name

Central Food Technological Research Institute

Legal name

CSIR - Central Food Technological Research Institute

Website

https://cftri.res.in

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

CSIR-CFTRI is a Government of India food science research institute under CSIR, established in 1950 in Mysuru, conducting R&D and technology transfer across food processing, safety, millets, and plant-based proteins for industry, government, start-ups, and academic trainees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Delhi

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding (CSIR): Primary funding from Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) under Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
2. Technology Licensing and Transfer: Commercialization of developed food technologies to industry partners through licensing agreements
3. Training and Academic Programs: Revenue from M.Sc. Food Technology programs, PhD programs under AcSIR, short-term courses, and skill development programs
4. Publications and Monographs: Sale of technical publications including monographs like Home-scale Processing and Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables at Rs.330 per copy
5. Testing and Consultancy Services: Food analysis and testing services for government bodies and industry, including the ₹23.5 crore food testing laboratory for TTD

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CSIR-CFTRI is a premier government food technology research institute that develops, tests, and transfers food processing, preservation, and safety technologies to industry. Its core offerings include patented food processing technologies available for licensing, a 185-patent portfolio covering millets, plant-based proteins, dairy, beverages, and convenience foods, advanced food testing and consultancy services, academic degree programmes (M.Sc. Food Technology and PhD via AcSIR), and incubation support for food start-ups through the BIRAC-BioNEST centre.

Product overview

CSIR-CFTRI is a premier Indian research institute under the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Ministry of Science & Technology. The institute operates as a multi-faceted food technology R&D organization offering academic programmes (M.Sc. Food Technology, PhD via AcSIR), technology commercialization services (Technology Database, Patent Portfolio, Free Technologies), incubation support (including BIRAC-BioNEST centre), and specialized research services (Instrumentation/SAIF, Food Machineries Portal). The institute develops and transfers food processing technologies, offers training programmes, and maintains the e-Prints institutional repository and FoodPro newsletter for disseminating research. Core research areas span Engineering Sciences, Technology Development, Translational Research, and Food Protection & Safety, with specialized Centre of Excellence on Millets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IFTTC (International Food Technology Training Centre): International Food Technology Training Centre providing training in food processing and preservation to students from India and South/Southeast Asian countries.
• BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre
• Centre of Excellence on Millets
• FoodPro Newsletter

Products and services

• M.Sc. (Food Technology) Two-year postgraduate degree programme in food technology offered by CSIR-CFTRI, described as one of South and Southeast Asia's premier post-harvest technology training programmes, for students seeking advanced education in food science and technology.
• AcSIR PhD Programmes Doctoral research programmes under the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) in Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, and Engineering Sciences, offered to researchers pursuing advanced food technology research.
• AI-based Food Analysis Laboratory Food analysis laboratory launched in Tirumala with advanced testing equipment and AI-based e-nose and e-tongue technology, processing 1,000-1,500 samples monthly with FSSAI and State government support for government and religious institution clients.
• Plant-based Protein Plus Slice 100% vegetarian, plant-based protein slice developed in partnership with McDonald's India for the QSR industry, representing one of the first scalable protein customization innovations in the global quick-service restaurant sector.
• Millet Bun Burger Millet bun burger developed using indigenous CFTRI Mysuru technology, launched with McDonald's India North and East to promote the government's Millet movement and add millets to quick-service restaurant menus.
• Kaladi Cheese Shelf Life Extension Technology Technology that extends the shelf life of traditional GI-tagged Kaladi cheese from Jammu and Kashmir to 21 days without affecting quality, texture, or nutritional value, enabling heritage cheese to reach commercial food chains beyond local markets.
• BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre Incubation facility at CFTRI Mysuru designed to support food start-ups with infrastructure for advanced research, validation, and regulatory support in food bioprocessing and biotechnology.
• Training & Skill Development Programmes Short-term courses, workshops, and training programmes in food science and technology for industry professionals, including ISMT courses on sensory evaluation and milling technology at the International Food Technology Training Centre.
• Technology Database and Licensing Searchable database of CFTRI-developed food processing technologies available for commercialization and licensing across multiple food sectors, used by industry to identify licensable innovations.
• Instrumentation Services (SAIF) SAIF (Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility) service providing access to high-end instruments for R&D purposes, used by researchers needing specialized food analysis and testing equipment.
• Food Machineries Portal Portal providing information on food processing machineries developed by CFTRI and partner organizations for industry adoption.
• Free Technologies Programme Programme offering CFTRI-developed technologies freely for adoption by entrepreneurs, SHGs, and micro-enterprises in the food processing sector.
• e-Prints Institutional Repository Digital repository collecting, preserving, and disseminating research output of the CFTRI community including journal articles, theses, dissertations, and student investigations.

Quantifiable outcome

• Shelf life of Kaladi cheese extended to 21 days without quality compromise
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, minor and core.

• Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026TTD has signed an MoU with CSIR-CFTRI to integrate scientific testing protocols across its food production, storage, and distribution systems. CFTRI provides technical support for upgrading the ₹23.5 crore food testing laboratory with AI-based e-nose and e-tongue technology, establishing what is described as the first such partnership for a temple in India.
• Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 June 2026MoU signed during RISE Conclave in Bengaluru to strengthen quality, safety, and nutritional value of Srivari Laddu Prasadam served to devotees at Tirumala temple. CSIR-CFTRI provides technical support for food handling, storage, processing, and distribution practices, and conducts specialised training programmes for TTD personnel in food analysis and safety protocols.
• The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) MysuruminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 May 2026Co-hosting 'FoodTech for Thought' fireside chat event featuring CFTRI scientist S Vijayalakshmi discussing how scientific research is being translated into commercially viable food ventures and sustainable food solutions.
• BIRAC-BioNESTcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 April 2026BIRAC-BioNEST incubation centre inaugurated at CFTRI Mysuru, designed to support food start-ups with infrastructure for advanced research, validation, and regulatory support in food bioprocessing and biotechnology. Minister emphasized need for greater collaboration between research institutions and private sector.
• McDonald's India (West & South) - Westlife FoodworldflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 February 2026Development of 100% vegetarian, plant-based Protein Plus Slice representing one of the first scalable protein customization innovations in the global QSR industry. Also collaborated on millet bun burger development using indigenous technology by CFTRI Mysore, promoting the government's Millet movement.
• Tamil Nadu Agriculture UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2025Co-organized GI Mahotsav 3.0 in Mysuru showcasing India's GI-tagged products to promote heritage, exports, tourism, and rural livelihoods.
• McDonald's India North and EastflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2025Collaboration to include millets in McDonald's menu, with plans for further investments to expand network. The millet bun burger was developed using indigenous technology by CFTRI Mysore, hailed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh as 'vindication' of the Prime Minister's Millet movement.
• The Good Food Institute IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2025MoU signed for collaboration on alternative proteins and plant-based food innovations, supporting India's protein deficiency initiatives and sustainable food development.
• Sahaja SamrudhaminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 9 January 2025Mysuru MP urged CFTRI to study and disseminate nutritional benefits of gaana (cold-pressed) oils at the 3-day Desi Oil Mela organized by Sahaja Samrudha and Desiri Naturals.
• Yaduveer Wadiyar (Mysore MP)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 January 2025Mysore MP inaugurated the Desi Oil Mela and urged CFTRI to study nutritional benefits of traditional oils, providing political support for CFTRI's traditional foods research.
• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 16 January 2024Support from FSSAI and State government for the food analysis laboratory in Tirumala, processing 1,000-1,500 samples monthly with advanced testing equipment.
• National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2023Initiative at Tech Connect 2025 bridging innovation between CFTRI and MSME entrepreneurs, helping bridge the gap between innovators and small-scale food businesses.
• KudumbashreeminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 October 2023CSIR-CFTRI innovations reaching global markets through Kudumbashree, Kerala's women empowerment program, supporting grassroots entrepreneurs.
• Spices BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 July 2023Collaboration for incubation facilities to develop innovative spice-based products, supporting the spice industry's value addition and product development capabilities.
• JSS Academy of Higher Education and ResearchminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 January 2016Partnership to promote food processing education and research, combining academic expertise with CFTRI's industry experience.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM): Indian government institute of national importance focused on food technology education, research, and entrepreneurship. Direct peer to CFTRI given overlapping mandate in food processing R&D, academic programs, and incubation support for food start-ups.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): Apex body for agricultural research in India with affiliated institutes handling food-related crops, processing, and post-harvest technologies. Direct peer through shared mandate on India-focused public-sector agricultural/food R&D.
• Wageningen University & Research (Food & Biobased Research): Globally leading public-sector food science research institution conducting R&D across food processing, nutrition, and biobased ingredients. Direct peer to CFTRI in terms of applied food science research, academic training, and technology licensing to industry.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging (IVV): German applied research organization conducting food process engineering, packaging, and product development research for industrial partners. Direct peer to CFTRI in applied food technology R&D and contract research services for industry.

Broad incumbents

• CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation): Australia's national science agency with dedicated food and nutrition research programs covering processing, safety, and novel ingredients. Comparable as a publicly-funded multi-disciplinary R&D organization but with much broader scope than CFTRI's food focus.
• Eurofins Scientific: Global leader in food testing, product development services, and contract research with extensive IP and lab infrastructure. Comparable to CFTRI's testing and analytical services arm but operates as a publicly-traded commercial entity.
• Mérieux NutriSciences (formerly Silliker): Global food testing, safety, and quality assurance services provider with strong expertise in sensory and analytical testing. Comparable to the TTD food testing laboratory model and broader food analysis capabilities at CFTRI.
• SGS: Global testing, inspection, and certification company with substantial food and agricultural commodity testing operations. Comparable to CFTRI's testing and certification activities as a broad incumbent in third-party food quality services.
• Bureau Veritas: International testing, inspection and certification group with significant food and commodity testing lines. Comparable to CFTRI's food testing and quality assurance operations as a broad incumbent in independent verification services.

Others

• Institute of Food Technologists (IFT): Global non-profit scientific society for food science and technology professionals. Adjacent ecosystem player rather than direct competitor, but relevant as a peer in producing food science knowledge, publications, and training programs similar to CFTRI's academic outreach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/csircftri
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@CSIRCFTRIMysuru
• Facebookfacebook.com/cftri
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cftri

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Central Food Technological Research Institute