Aqua Exchange is transforming aquaculture with innovative IoT technology and data-driven insights. The company empowers farmers by providing comprehensive, affordable solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability and has automated more than 80,000 acres of shrimp farms–making it the largest technology provider to shrimp farmers in India. All of Aqua Exchange’s solutions hinge on the technology (IoT & AI) tools the company offers the farmers to save crops, reduce cost of production, and increase profitability. Having passed GDST’s Capability Test for digital data exchange, Aqua Exchange becomes India’s first “Verified GDST-Capable Solution,” affirming its ability to securely exchange standardized traceability data across the seafood supply chain.
“Achieving GDST Capability is a key milestone for us and completes the full stack of services that we offer to the aquaculture ecosystem. This capability now paves the way for our farmers to produce protein sustainably while at the same time generating data that is directly acceptable to the end customers,” said Pavan Kosaraju, Founder & CEO of Aqua Exchange. “As a GDST partner since December 2024, we’re proud to drive standardized, interoperable traceability that builds trust and opens global market access for our customers.”
The GDST Capability Test evaluates a software provider’s ability to send and receive GDST-compliant traceability data, including key data elements (KDEs) and critical tracking events (CTEs), using JSON and GS1 Digital Link standards. The Capability Test confirms that Aqua Exchange’s platform enables interoperability between trading partners using different systems, reducing complexity and improving efficiency throughout the supply chain.
Aqua Exchange is also India’s first and the GDST’s second software partner to integrate the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) / GDST’s Traceability Driver tool, which is designed to simplify the process for existing traceability systems to convert their data into standardized formats, enabling seamless data exchange that supports sustainability and strengthens supply chain integrity. Previously, Koltiva achieved that distinction in late 2025.
Kevin Edwards, Vice President of Global Market Development at GDST said: “The GDST are working with global innovators like Aqua Exchange to promote trust and efficiency in fishery and aquaculture supply chains. We were thrilled to collaborate with Pavan and his team. They shared our mission for digital interoperable traceability – enabling data to pass seamlessly from the critical first mile. We are delighted that Aqua Exchange’s Version 1.0 platform is now a Verified GDST-Capable solution, especially with the launch of India’s National Framework on Traceability. With a growing number of consumers demanding safe, ethical, sustainable products, GDST-capable platforms empower the seafood sector to effectively demonstrate full traceability – from fish to fork – providing a critical edge in building trust with consumers and delivering compliance with local and international legislation.”
Aqua Exchange’s achievement follows its early participation as the first, smart ecosystem to join the GDST as a Founder Partner Solution Provider and now positions the company among a growing network of technology providers implementing the GDST 1.2 Standard at scale. By achieving verified status, Aqua Exchange enables its customers to:
- Seamlessly share traceability data with other GDST-capable systems
- Improve coordination across multi-ingredient and global seafood supply chains
- Reduce manual processes and integration challenges
- Strengthen their position with trading partners, retailers, and regulators
“This milestone goes beyond compliance—it delivers real value to farmers and supply chain partners,” said Kiran Kumar, Chief Business Officer at Aqua Exchange. “With GDST capability, our customers can integrate seamlessly with global markets while improving efficiency and transparency.”