Ludhiana 08 December 2025-The Veterinary and Livestock Innovation and Incubation Foundation (VLIIF), a Section 8 company of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, has expanded its startup ecosystem by signing an incubation agreement with APA Works Pvt. Ltd. VLIIF serves as a dedicated platform to promote innovation, technology development, and entrepreneurship across the livestock sector. Supported by the DST-NIDHI program, the foundation operates an Inclusive Technology Business Incubator (ITBI) that nurtures startups in livestock, agriculture, biotechnology, food systems, and allied areas. APA Works Pvt. Ltd., the newest addition to VLIIF’s incubatee portfolio, specializes in laboratory supplies and business support services for molecular biology and tissue culture laboratories. The collaboration aims to further enrich the innovation landscape by encouraging stronger partnerships among academia, startups, and the industry.

Dr. R. S. Sethi, Additional Director Research and Director of VLIIF, emphasized that the agreement reinforces the foundation’s mission to create a vibrant and industry-oriented startup environment where promising ideas can evolve into scalable technologies for the benefit of farmers, industry stakeholders, and society. He highlighted the distinguished leadership of APA Works, led by Dr. Kulvinder S. Gill, Director of APA Works Pvt. Ltd. and Professor & Director of the Climate Resilient Wheat Innovation Lab at Washington State University, along with Dr. Ashima Relan, Director (Sales & Marketing), known for her strong expertise in scientific operations and industry network building.

Dr. J. P. S. Gill, Vice Chancellor, expressed that the initiative is well aligned with national priorities focused on fostering innovation, strengthening biotechnology-driven entrepreneurship, and advancing India’s livestock sector. He added that the partnership will help bridge the gap between research and commercialization, opening up new opportunities for young innovators, scientists, and entrepreneurs working in livestock and allied fields.