SAMRIDDHI 8th Cohort – Seed Stage Funding Support for Agri-Startups (India)

To ensure timely seed support to deserving incubatees within R-ABIs, to enable translation of minimum viable product (MVP) to marketable stage and scale up the product and business, and to provide a platform for faster experimentation and modification in their approaches or minimum viable product (MVP) based on innovative solutions, processes, products, services, business models etc. for scaling up.

The programme provides financial assistance of up to Rs. 25 lakhs for potential startups incubated at the R-ABI who have a minimum viable product. This support is directed towards innovative solutions, processes, products, services, or business models in agriculture and allied sectors. The SIC evaluates the business plan and decides the final approved amount based on requirements, with Rs. 25 lakhs as the maximum limit. The committee reserves the right to reject applications without providing a reason.

Up to 10–12 startups per R-ABI will receive seed funding annually, issued in two instalments. After one month of residency, performance evaluation determines eligibility for funding recommendation. A short incubation programme may be required prior to the first instalment. Funds are sanctioned by the Nodal Division and disbursed by R-ABIs following a legal agreement linked to milestone achievements.

Selection follows evaluation by the RKVY-RAFTAAR Incubation Committee and includes assessment of any previous grants from other government institutions. Eligible applicants must be registered legal entities in India and recognised as startups as per DPIIT notification. Funding is not available to subsidiaries of foreign companies or multinational corporations, and startups cannot reapply once supported.

This initiative supports agripreneurs in transforming MVPs into market-ready solutions while strengthening innovation-led growth in India’s agriculture ecosystem.

For more information, visit Indian Veterinary Research Institute.