Apply for Greenovation SustainAgri Challenge (India)

The SustainAgri Challenge seeks to identify and support innovative technologies, business models, and on-ground projects that drive sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in India.

The initiative aligns with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and global sustainability goals, aiming to foster eco-friendly farming practices, boost food security, and minimize agriculture’s environmental impact.

Objectives

• A collaborative initiative of EarthON Foundation, USA and SwitchON Foundation, India, the Greenovation SustainAgri Challenge seeks transformative innovations to accelerate the shift toward sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in India. The challenge is part of EarthON’s larger mission to catalyze grassroots solutions that build a just, equitable, and climate-secure future.
• The Challenge aims to identify and support early-stage technologies, business models, and on-ground initiatives that address critical agricultural challenges such as soil degradation, resource inefficiency, and climate vulnerability. With agriculture contributing significantly to India’s greenhouse gas emissions, there is an urgent need to reimagine the sector through sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.

Focus Areas

• The SustainAgri Challenge focuses on supporting innovations that:
  • Enable climate-smart farming practices including regenerative agriculture, agroecology, and carbon sequestration methods to reduce emissions and restore ecosystems.
  • Provide technology-driven and community-rooted solutions for improving soil health, water management, pest control, and sustainable livestock practices.
  • Create inclusive livelihood opportunities by enhancing productivity, reducing input costs, and improving market access for smallholder and women farmers.
  • Promote digital and AI-powered tools that improve traceability, decision-making, and resilience in agricultural value chains.
  • Empower women and youth in agriculture through leadership, enterprise support, and training for climate-smart practices.

Benefits

• Non-Dilutive Cash Awards – Up to INR 20 Lakhs Total:
  • Multiple winners across categories will receive cash prizes to accelerate their solutions.
• Access to Expert Mentorship:
  • Work with leading mentors in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and impact entrepreneurship to refine and scale your solution.
• Capacity Building & Bootcamps:
  • Participate in intensive sessions on topics such as regenerative agriculture, farmer engagement, business scaling, and fundraising.
• National Visibility & Recognition:
  • Showcase your innovation to policymakers, investors, and ecosystem leaders at national-level platforms.
• Networking & Collaboration Opportunities:
  • Connect with government bodies, funders, research institutions, and agri-entrepreneurs to expand your impact.

Eligibility Criteria

• Agri Startups:
  • registered in India within the last 7 years, working on innovative, scalable solutions in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, or resource efficiency.
• Registered NGOs/CSOs/Section 8 Companies:
  • Incorporated at least 2 years ago and operating for not more than 8 years, with proven models in sustainable agriculture or climate resilience, and average annual expenditure not exceeding INR 5 crores.
• Technology Providers:
  • offering pilot-ready tools or platforms in areas such as soil health, emissions reduction, water efficiency, or farm mechanization.
• Grassroots Innovators/Individuals:
  • developing early-stage, community-based solutions or prototypes focused on regenerative or climate-smart agriculture.
• Research Institutions/Academic Entities:
  • working on scalable technologies or practices for sustainable farming, and open to technology transfer partnerships.
• Women- and Youth-led Initiatives:
  • promoting inclusive leadership, farmer engagement, and sustainable agricultural practices at the grassroots level.

For more information, visit EarthON Foundation.