GRASA Millets and Food Pvt Ltd was honoured with the Rashtriya Ratna Samman 2026 for its pioneering contributions to metabolic health and nutrition. The startup received the recognition in the Emerging Health Tech and Nutrition Innovation Startup of the Year category at a ceremony held in New Delhi. By integrating the nutritional benefits of millets with the science of fermentation, the company has established India’s first food-led system for metabolic recovery.
Recognizing Innovation: The Rashtriya Ratna Samman 2026
The Rashtriya Ratna Samman is a prestigious national platform that identifies and honours exceptional achievers across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. The 2026 edition of the awards was organized by Brand Empower Pvt Ltd, a prominent branding and award-management firm, in collaboration with the Webpulse Foundation. The primary objective of these awards is to celebrate individuals and organizations that contribute to India’s economic progress through innovation and ethical business practices.
The award ceremony took place at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, which is India’s premier international exhibition and convention centre. The event featured Ms. Kangana Ranaut, a Padma Shri awardee and Member of Parliament, as the Chief Guest. The presence of such prominent figures underscores the importance of the awards in providing a national stage for emerging startups and established leaders alike.
GRASA Millets: Revolutionising Metabolic Health
The selection of GRASA Millets and Food Pvt Ltd as the Emerging Health Tech and Nutrition Innovation Startup of the Year highlights a shift towards preventative healthcare through nutrition. The startup is recognized for developing a specialized metabolic recovery system that targets lifestyle diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Unlike traditional nutritional supplements, this system utilizes a combination of ancient superfoods and modern biotechnology to restore metabolic balance in the body.
The Power of Millets and Fermentation
The core of the startup’s innovation lies in the biotechnology of fermentation applied to various types of millets. While millets are naturally rich in fibre and minerals, they also contain anti-nutrients such as phytates and tannins that can hinder mineral absorption. Fermentation uses microbial enzymes to neutralize these compounds, significantly increasing the bioavailability of essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Furthermore, the fermentation process enhances the metabolic profile of millets in several ways:
- Lower Glycemic Index: Fermentation breaks down complex starches and increases the levels of resistant starch, which ensures a slower release of glucose into the bloodstream.
- Gut Health: The process generates Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs) that nourish the gut lining and help reduce systemic inflammation.
- Probiotic Benefits: Fermented millet products introduce beneficial bacteria that help in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for metabolic regulation.
India’s Strategic Push for Millets (Shree Anna)
The success of startups like GRASA Millets is aligned with the Government of India’s focus on promoting millets as a global solution for food security and nutrition. During the Union Budget 2023-24, the government designated millets as Shree Anna, acknowledging them as the “mother of all grains.” India is currently the largest producer of millets in the world and accounts for approximately 80 percent of Asia’s production.
The promotion of millets gained significant international momentum when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023), following a proposal by India. The government’s initiative aims to position India as a global hub for millets, encouraging the consumption and cultivation of various indigenous varieties.
| Millet Variety | Common Indian Name | Key Nutritional Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Finger Millet | Ragi | Rich in calcium and iron |
| Pearl Millet | Bajra | High in magnesium and zinc |
| Sorghum | Jowar | Gluten-free and rich in antioxidants |
| Foxtail Millet | Kangni | High in fibre and protein |
| Kodo Millet | Kodo | High in antioxidants and polyphenols |
By supporting innovation in this sector, India aims to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases while simultaneously supporting the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers who cultivate these climate-resilient crops.
Key Takeaways
- GRASA Millets and Food Pvt Ltd was conferred with the Rashtriya Ratna Samman 2026 for its innovative metabolic recovery system.
- The startup won in the Emerging Health Tech and Nutrition Innovation Startup of the Year category.
- The Rashtriya Ratna Samman 2026 was organized by Brand Empower Pvt Ltd in association with the Webpulse Foundation.
- The award ceremony was held at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with actor and MP Ms. Kangana Ranaut as the Chief Guest.
- GRASA Millets utilizes the science of fermentation to enhance the nutritional bioavailability of millets and lower their Glycemic Index.
- India is the world’s largest producer of millets, which were designated as Shree Anna in the Union Budget 2023-24.
