Guwahati: Aqua Doctor Solutions, a aquaculture startup from India, signified the country at the 2nd ASEAN-India ScaleHub Summit 2025 held in Bali, Indonesia.
The high-profile summit helped as a cooperative platform to foster stronger influences between startups from India and ASEAN nations. The event brought composed 40 startups from India and 40 from ASEAN countries, each showcasing cutting-edge novelties across varied sectors.
With over 200 members including system integrators, technologists, investors, distributors, and policymakers, the summit offered ample opportunities for teamwork, knowledge-sharing, and technology exchange.
Debtanu Barman, CEO of Aqua Doctor Solutions, led the delegation and was the sole representative from India’s aquaculture sector. “It was an honour for Aqua Doctor Solutions to signify India’s aquaculture sector as the only startup from this domain in the Indian delegation.
"This is a proud moment not only for us but also for the Indian fisheries and startup ecosystem,” he said.
The summit was inaugurated by key dignitaries including Jayant N. Khobragade, Ambassador of India to ASEAN; Sandeep Chakravorty, Ambassador of India to Indonesia; Sachin V. Gopalan, Chairman of the ASEAN-India Entrepreneurship Initiative; Praveenkumar Somasundaram, Head of International Cooperation, DST, Government of India; and Dr. Kanchana Wanichkorn, Director at the ASEAN Secretariat.
The program was facilitated by IIT Kanpur and GATES, and supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Speaking to Business North East (BNE), Barman shared that Aqua Doctor Solutions also participated in the Russian Economic Forum held in Bali from July 1 to 5.
ALSO READ: Woolah Tea Patents Bagless Dip Innovation; global rise after Shark Tank fame
“It was a proud moment for us to represent India on a global economic platform, especially as the only fisheries-based startup from the country. The ASEAN region, with nearly 700 million people—about 8% of the global population—contributes 3% to the world’s GDP. Many of these countries are directly or indirectly engaged in aquaculture or fisheries for their livelihood, food, and economic sustenance,” he said.
Barman noted that contribution in the forum opened promising avenues for the company. “We received several leads from ASEAN countries. We hope these will translate into mutual business partnerships, allowing shared technological growth and support. Together, we can advance sustainable aquaculture across borders,” he added.
The summit underlined the power of regional collaboration and innovation. As India and ASEAN countries last to build synergies, Aqua Doctor Solutions stands as a testament to the impact of cross-border partnerships in driving sustainable and inclusive growth in the blue economy.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
