ICAR-CIFT has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Saint Marines LLP, Aluva, Kerala, on 4^th June 2026 for the transfer of technologies for producing umami peptides and bio-calcium from shrimp shell waste.

The technologies offer a sustainable pathway for converting shrimp processing by-products into value-added marine ingredients. Umami peptides have potential applications as naturally derived flavour-enhancing ingredients, while bio-calcium offers scope for use in food and allied sectors.

Saint Marines LLP, founded by Mr. Herral James and co-founded by Mr. James George, will be incubated at the ICAR-CIFT Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) Centre for one year. ICAR-CIFT will provide technical guidance for setting up the production unit, selecting machinery, and implementing food safety requirements for commercial production. The scientific team includes Dr. Elavarasan K., Dr. Renuka V., Dr. Jeyakumari A., and Dr. J. Bindu.

The agreement is expected to support improved utilisation of shrimp shell waste, enhance value realisation for the seafood processing sector, and promote circular economy-based entrepreneurship. This marks ICAR-CIFT’s first technology transfer for umami flavour ingredients derived from aquatic resources and reinforces its commitment to sustainable seafood waste utilisation and start-up promotion.