CIIE opens applications for India’s first agri accelerator

Start-ups in sustainable agriculture areas like precision farming; supply chain tech; soil, weather and water tech; and internet-based products for agriculture can apply.

The Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) has opened its food and agribusiness accelerator to applications.

As previously reported, CIIE’s accelerator, which is being launched in partnership with a-IDEA, the business incubator at Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), will be the first Indian accelerator for the sector.

The three-month programme aims to “accelerate, nurture and invest in innovative early stage startups that have the potential to become scalable and competitive food and agri ventures”, reads a press release. “Selected start-ups will be provided with intensive capacity building, mentoring and advisory support.”

CIIE, NAARM and Goa-based agri-focused incubator Center for Innovation and Business Acceleration (CIBA), will invest up to Rs3 million ($47,000; €42,000) each into the top two start-ups from the programme. And CIIE’s sustainability focused fund Infuse Ventures may invest up to Rs10 million per venture too.

CIIE has also partnered with agri-focused investment funds such as Omnivore Partners, Aspada Investments and Rural Agri Ventures, which will consider investing in the start-ups.

The accelerator is targeting in startups in sustainable agriculture areas like precision farming, supply chain tech, soil, weather & water tech, and internet-based products for agriculture.

To apply click here.