Sri Lanka Technology Campus (SLTC) proudly announces that its students have won First Place in the ‘Most Innovative Process-Institutional category’ at the ProFood ProPack Agbiz International Exhibition 2025, recognizing their outstanding innovation and creativity in food technology and agricultural value addition.

The award was presented during the official awarding ceremony of the ProFood ProPack and Agbiz Exhibition 2025 held on 10 March 2026 at the Oak Room, Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The exhibition, organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association, took place from 22 to 24 August 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Colombo. As the country’s leading exhibition dedicated to the Food Processing, Packaging, and Agriculture industries, the exhibition brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, academics, and students to showcase innovations that support the advancement of Sri Lanka’s food and agribusiness sectors.

At the exhibition, the SLTC student team presented their innovative products and processes, whereas YaaFlex, a value-added food product developed using locally available purple yam (Dioscorea alata L.), captured significant attention from the judge panel and visitors due to its unique processing method and potential to capture the high-end export market.

In addition to its appealing taste and texture, YaaFlex is naturally rich in antioxidants, essential vitamins, and dietary fiber, making it a healthier alternative to conventional foods. 

The product stood out among numerous entries due to its potential to support the development of functional food products while promoting the use of locally sourced agricultural commodities.

This achievement is particularly significant as it marks SLTC’s first participation in the ProFood ProPack and Agbiz Exhibition 2025, competing under the institutional category with many state and non-state universities in Sri Lanka. 

The success highlights the creativity, dedication, and technical expertise of students from the Department of Agricultural Technology and the Department of Biosystems and Biotechnology at Sri Lanka Technology Campus. With strong academic guidance and mentorship, students were able to combine interdisciplinary knowledge and apply a farm-to-fork approach to develop a practical and industry-relevant food innovation.

The achievement also reflects SLTC’s commitment to promoting innovation, academic excellence, and applied learning among its students. Through research-based education, hands-on projects, and active engagement with industry, the university continues to encourage students to develop solutions that address real-world challenges in agriculture, food production, and sustainable development.

Events such as the ProFood ProPack and Agbiz International Exhibition 2025 provide an important platform for young innovators to present their ideas, interact with industry professionals, and gain exposure to emerging trends in food technology and agribusiness. Such participation helps bridge the gap between academic knowledge and practical application while demonstrating the vital role universities can play in advancing innovation within the agricultural and food sectors.

Sri Lanka Technology Campus congratulates the whole participating student team, including the YaaFlex innovating team (Ms.Upeksha Pramodhani, Ms. Ridmika Nirmani, Mr. Kalana Ranuth, Mr.Muditha Chathuranga,Ms. Tashini Wijenayaka) for their remarkable achievement, and acknowledge the dedication and effort of staff and students that led to this success.

SLTC looks forward to encouraging more student-led innovations and research initiatives that contribute to the advancement of agriculture, food technology, and sustainable agribusiness development in Sri Lanka.