BENGALURU, JUNE 27, 2025: AGRI UDAAN 7.0, India’s premier agri-startup accelerator initiative by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM, was launched at Bengaluru to empower agritech startups and to strengthen the FPOs. The event showcased a dynamic convergence of innovation, entrepreneurship, and institutional collaboration, reaffirming the role of startups and farmers in transforming Indian agriculture.
The Chief Guest, Dr. Ashok Dalwai, IAS (Retd.), Chairman, Karnataka Agriculture Price Commission, advocated for market-aligned, scalable innovations and highlighted the need for policy integration to mainstream agri-startups into the national agricultural economy for driving Scalable Solutions for Viksit Bharat. Stressing the holistic nature of the sector, he spoke about the importance of developing adaptive technologies across crops, livestock, and services. He praised the startup ecosystem for addressing both productivity and rural unemployment, thereby contributing significantly to Viksit Bharat.
Delivering the Presidential Address, Dr. Dheer Singh, Director of ICAR-NDRI, Karnal, emphasised the strategic importance of integrating scientific research with entrepreneurial execution. He highlighted the immense potential of India’s youth in translating agricultural research into impactful business models. “Today’s agritech ecosystem offers a rare opportunity to link knowledge, innovation, and economic growth—driven by startups, powered by science,” he stated.
Mr. Ashutosh Kumar, General Manager, NABARD, while delivering the keynote address, lauded the Agri UDAAN platform for connecting grassroots innovation with strategic investment. He stressed that startups are not just solving problems but also laying the foundation for a “New India.” Mr. Kumar reaffirmed NABARD’s support for rural entrepreneurship and agri-innovation, urging young founders to dream big and deliver value to farmers through sustainable solutions.
Dr. Artabandhu Sahoo, Director, ICAR-NIANP, emphasised the importance of leveraging technologies developed at ICAR institutes through startups for field-level application. He called on agri-entrepreneurs to align innovations with environmental sustainability and encouraged institutional collaboration in technology development, testing, and validation. According to Dr. Sahoo, startups are the key link in translating research outputs into practical solutions for farmers.
Shri Govind Narayan Goyal, Chief General Manager (ABU & GSS), State Bank of India, Mumbai, recognised Bengaluru as the “Sangam of Startups” and celebrated the city’s leadership in nurturing entrepreneurial ventures. He reiterated SBI’s role as a longstanding partner to agri and tech startups, offering financial tools, trust, and long-term strategic support. “SBI stands committed to strengthening the startup backbone of our economy,” he affirmed.
Agnite 5.0 Awards were presented to the most promising student-led startup ideas. The first prize was awarded to HiveXpert Ltd., by Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur students, second place was secured by the Multipurpose Agricultural Row-bot Smart Field Assistant by PJTSAU, Telangana students, while the third prize to IoT-aided Organic Waste Composter by students from LPU, Punjab.
Earlier, Dr. S. Senthil Vinayagam, CEO of a-IDEA and Principal Scientist at ICAR-NAARM, formally welcomed the guests and shared the transformative journey of AGRI UDAAN since its inception. He emphasised the program’s contribution to nurturing early-stage startups through market access, mentorship, and investor connections. Dr Senthil also highlighted a-IDEA’s parallel role in strengthening FPOs across India by building their entrepreneurial and managerial capacities, enabling them to emerge as self-sustaining rural enterprises. Dr. N.A. Vijay Avinashilingam, Additional CEO and Principal Scientist, ICAR-NAARM, proposed a vote of thanks. Around 105 startups, entrepreneurs, investors, ICAR scientists, and stakeholders participated in the event.
