Government to launch challenge for agri startups on December 15

NEW DELHI: The agriculture ministry, in partnership with Invest India, is scheduled to launch a grand challenge for agri startups on December 15 at TiE's mega conclave for entrepreneurs.

The challenge is aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship for agri-tech startups with commercially viable solutions, not-for-profit body The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) said in a statement.

Participants will be encouraged to come up with new concepts and innovations for 12 specific areas such as soil health, price forecasting, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, food adulteration, electronic National Agriculture Market, among others.

On the basis of their scope of work, TiE said the startups will be handpicked by the agriculture ministry for the 'idea stage' which includes a three-month incubation support with a leading agri-tech incubator; support by domain experts and real-time testing of 'Proof of Concept'.

The startups that reach the 'Enterprise Stage' will be awarded a three-month market access programme with the Ministry of Agriculture, supervision and handholding by domain experts from the agriculture sector, and access to the real- time agricultural market, it said.

The challenge will set the stage for the startups that are seeking support for their technology innovation by either funding and/or mentoring their fundamental concepts.

It will also provide talented and creative innovators opportunities to pursue promising avenues at the frontier of technology, TiE added.