Assam Founder Creates Savory Chicken Protein Bars

When doctors told Sayanika Deka that her father needed more protein to manage his dementia, she faced an unexpected problem. India's health food aisles were packed with sweet protein bars and imported supplements, but nothing felt right for someone who grew up eating meat-based meals.

So she created her own solution. IndiMeat now produces savory, ready-to-eat chicken protein bars that taste like actual chicken, not candy bars disguised as health food.

The product took years of research and training at veterinary colleges and meat research institutes across India. What emerged was unlike anything on Indian shelves: oil-free, preservative-free protein bars with the umami taste of meat, designed for people who want nutrition without compromising their food culture.

Sayanika didn't stop at creating a product. She partnered with Karbi tribal women in Assam, connecting them to government slaughterhouses for hygienic meat sourcing. The collaboration creates steady income for these women while building a reliable supply chain for IndiMeat.

The biggest hurdle now is scaling up. Demand is strong, but IndiMeat doesn't yet have its own manufacturing equipment. Sayanika has applied for loans and secured a few grants, but the path to full production capacity remains challenging.

The Ripple Effect

Support from Assam's startup ecosystem has proven crucial. Through the state's startup initiative, IndiMeat received mentorship, market access, and the MASI grant. That backing gave the young company credibility and opened doors to regional markets.

Sayanika believes collaboration makes all the difference. When institutions work together instead of separately, entrepreneurs face fewer roadblocks and can focus on building their businesses.

Her vision extends far beyond Assam. She wants IndiMeat in homes across the globe, joining the ranks of Indian food companies that have traveled worldwide. It's an ambitious goal for a startup born from one daughter's desire to help her father eat better.

From a family health crisis to a venture employing tribal women and reimagining Indian health food, IndiMeat shows how personal challenges can spark solutions that help entire communities.