Ilika Pvt Ltd, Punjab Agricultural University’s Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI)-supported startup, has achieved national recognition by winning the “Best Innovative Idea Award” at the ICAR-DMAPR Awards 2024. The award was presented during the 33rd Foundation Day celebrations of the ICAR-Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research (ICAR-DMAPR), held at Anand, Gujarat. The award recognizes IlikaPvt. Ltd.'s outstanding contribution in presenting groundbreaking solutions in the MAPTHON-2: Innovative Ideas for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Business competition. This achievement highlights the startup's commitment to revolutionizing the medicinal and aromatic plant sector through innovative business approaches.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, congratulated the team, stating, "This achievement is a proud moment for PAU and PABI. Ilika Pvt. Ltd. has set an example of how startups, with the right support and innovative ideas, can create a significant impact in the agricultural domain."

Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, said, "Winning this award underscores the potential of PABI's incubated startups to address key challenges in agriculture and allied sectors. It demonstrates our commitment to nurturing impactful innovations."

Dr TS Riar, Principal Investigator at PABI, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, We are proud to see our startups achieving national recognition and contributing to India's agricultural transformation."

Dr Poonam Sachdev, Co-Principal Investigator at PABI, highlighted the role of innovation in agribusiness and said that this award reinforced PAU’s vision of empowering startups to lead the way in sustainable agriculture.

“As the startup continues to innovate and excel, it serves as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs striving to make a difference in agriculture and allied fields,” added Erkaranvir Gill, Business Manager, PABI. Ilika Pvt Ltd's achievement is a testament to the growing ecosystem of agribusiness startups supported by PABI and the Punjab Agricultural University, he said.