Nik Majid (DIRECTOR OF STUDENT AFFAIRS)

This is a complex, regulated, but potentially lucrative business. It involves navigating international standards and supply chain logistics.1. Legal and Regulatory Compliance (The First Step): Business Registration: Register your company and obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). FSSAI License: You need a state and central FSSAI license for export. MPEDA Registration: It is mandatory to register with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA). EIC Certification: Your processing unit must be certified by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) to ensure it meets hygiene and safety standards for the target country.2. Supply Chain and Sourcing: Source from Registered Hatcheries/Fishermen: You must source from MPEDA-registered suppliers to ensure traceability and quality. Processing Unit: You will need access to a processing plant that meets international HACCP and ISO standards. This often means building or leasing a state-of-the-art facility with cold storage. Logistics: Partner with freight forwarders experienced in perishable goods. You need a cold chain from the plant to the destination airport/port.3. Market Research and Buyers: Identify Target Markets: Research which countries import the seafood you plan to export (e.g., USA, EU, Japan, China). Each has its own strict regulations.* Attend Trade Fairs: Events like India International Seafood Show are crucial for meeting international buyers.* Quality is Paramount:** International buyers will audit your facility. Consistency, size grading, and packaging are critical.This is a capital-intensive business requiring deep industry knowledge. Starting as a trader, by connecting Indian processors with international buyers for a commission, can be a lower-risk way to enter the field.

This business leverages AI to help companies provide faster, 24/7 customer support. You act as a service provider, not just a software seller.1. Define Your Service Offering: AI Chatbot Development: Build and train chatbots for websites and apps to handle common queries (FAQs, order status, basic troubleshooting). AI-Powered Ticketing Systems: Implement systems that use AI to categorize, prioritize, and route support tickets to the right human agent. Sentiment Analysis: Offer services that analyze customer interactions to gauge satisfaction and alert managers to unhappy customers.2. Technology Stack and Expertise: AI/NLP Platforms: You don't need to build AI from scratch. Use APIs from platforms like Google Dialogflow, Amazon Lex, or IBM Watson to build and train your chatbots. Integration Skills: Your value is in integrating these AI tools with the client's existing systems (CRM, helpdesk software, databases). Training Data: The AI needs to be trained on the client's specific products, services, and common customer questions. This is a significant part of the service.*3. Target Market and Business Model: Clients: Target small and medium-sized e-commerce companies, SaaS startups, and any business with a high volume of repetitive customer queries. Pricing Model: Common models are a monthly subscription fee per chatbot or a per-conversation fee. Often, it's a combination of setup fee + monthly retainer.4. The Human-in-the-Loop:*The best AI support systems know their limits. Your service should include a seamless handoff protocol to a human agent when the query becomes too complex. You can manage this human team yourself or partner with a traditional call center. Your selling point is efficiency and scalability.

This business caters to the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic and glossy paper.1. Source Your Materials: Paper: Use recycled paper, handmade paper, or even blank newsprint. You can also use fabric scraps. Fabric Wrapping (Furoshiki): This Japanese technique of wrapping gifts in cloth is beautiful and reusable. Source cotton or silk scarves. Decorations: Use twine, jute string, dried flowers, leaves, sprigs of rosemary, or seed paper tags (that can be planted).2. Service Offerings: Direct-to-Consumer: Sell DIY wrapping kits online or at craft fairs. Include paper, twine, and decorations with instructions.* B2B (Business-to-Business): This is where the volume is. Partner with retail stores, florists, and brands to provide sustainable wrapping for their customers. Offer custom branding on the paper or tags.* On-Demand Wrapping Service: Offer a service where customers bring their gifts to you (or you pick up) and you wrap them beautifully in an eco-friendly way.3. Marketing the Experience:**Market the idea of "giving a gift twice"—once the actual gift, and second, the beautiful, reusable wrapping itself. Use Instagram and Pinterest to showcase your beautiful, rustic designs. Your brand should scream "thoughtful," "handmade," and "sustainable."