Deadline: 31-Mar-2026
The MANAGE–Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA) at Hyderabad has opened applications for Cohort 15 under the RKVY‑RAFTAAR initiative. The program offers students, agripreneurs, and startups structured mentoring, hands-on training, and grant-in-aid support up to ₹25 lakh to develop, validate, and scale innovative agricultural solutions.
About the Program
The MANAGE–Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA), part of the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, fosters agri-entrepreneurship by providing structured training, mentorship, and financial support.
Cohort 15 of the RKVY‑RAFTAAR program targets:
- Students with innovative agribusiness ideas
- Early-stage agripreneurs
- Startups in agriculture and allied sectors
The program’s goal is to nurture entrepreneurial talent, build practical skills, and accelerate agricultural innovations into market-ready solutions.
Program Components
1. Student Orientation Program
- Designed for students with novel agribusiness ideas.
- Offers structured mentoring and hands-on internship with startups.
- Covers business fundamentals, market strategies, and practical problem-solving.
- One-month training followed by eligibility to pitch for a grant-in-aid of up to ₹4.00 lakh to develop a prototype, product, or service.
2. Agripreneurship Orientation Program
- Tailored for early-stage innovators and agripreneurs.
- Provides mentorship, practical exposure, and industry insights.
- Completion of the one-month orientation enables participants to apply for a grant-in-aid of up to ₹5.00 lakh to advance their concepts.
3. Startup Agri-Business Incubation Program
- Supports startups with a minimum viable product (MVP).
- Provides funding of up to ₹25.00 lakh based on project requirements.
- Helps startups launch, test, and scale products or services, refine business models, attract investments, and ensure sustainable operations.
Training and Mentorship
Participants across all programs receive:
- 30+ hours of initial training
- Hands-on engagement with startups
- Expert mentorship covering:
- Agriculture extension
- Digital agriculture
- Food technology and value addition
- Artificial intelligence and biotechnology
- Farm mechanization
- Supply chain and natural resource management
- Guidance to refine technical, operational, and strategic aspects of innovations
Who is Eligible?
- Students with innovative agribusiness ideas
- Early-stage agripreneurs
- Startups with MVPs in agriculture or allied sectors
- Applicants must be able to commit to the one-month orientation and mentorship programs
Why This Program Matters
The MANAGE-CIA Incubation Program is critical for:
- Encouraging innovation in agriculture and allied sectors
- Building practical skills and entrepreneurial capacity
- Providing financial support and mentorship for prototype development and market entry
- Promoting scalable and sustainable agricultural solutions
- Fostering a pipeline of innovators ready for incubation and investment
How to Apply
- Check Eligibility: Confirm whether you are a student, early-stage agripreneur, or startup with an MVP.
- Prepare Your Application: Outline your idea, objectives, expected outcomes, and any prior work or research.
- Submit Application: Complete the official form for Cohort 15 through the MANAGE-CIA portal.
- Participate in Orientation: Shortlisted candidates attend one-month training and mentorship sessions.
- Pitch for Grants: After training, eligible participants can apply for grants to advance their concepts or scale their startup.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define your innovation and its potential impact
- Highlight practical feasibility and scalability
- Show commitment to agriculture sector improvement
- Provide a realistic plan for prototype or MVP development
- Emphasize market relevance and sustainability
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete or vague proposals
- Ignoring program deadlines or orientation requirements
- Failing to demonstrate innovation or sector relevance
- Overlooking mentorship engagement opportunities
- Underestimating grant usage planning and budget justification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for Cohort 15?
Students, early-stage agripreneurs, and startups in agriculture and allied sectors.
2. What grant amounts are available?
- Student Orientation: up to ₹4.00 lakh
- Agripreneurship Orientation: up to ₹5.00 lakh
- Startup Agri-Business Incubation: up to ₹25.00 lakh
3. Is prior experience in agriculture necessary?
Not mandatory, but familiarity with agribusiness or related sectors is advantageous.
4. What is the duration of the orientation program?
One month of structured mentoring and hands-on engagement.
5. Are partnerships allowed for startups?
Yes, startups can collaborate with co-founders or affiliated entities.
6. What areas of agribusiness are covered?
Innovation spans agriculture extension, digital agriculture, food technology, AI, biotech, farm mechanization, supply chains, and natural resource management.
7. How is funding allocated?
Grant amounts are evaluated based on project needs by the selection committee and aligned with program objectives.
Conclusion
The MANAGE-CIA Incubation Program Cohort 15 provides students, agripreneurs, and startups with mentorship, hands-on training, and financial support to transform innovative agricultural ideas into viable solutions. By combining orientation programs with grant support up to ₹25 lakh, the initiative fosters a strong pipeline of agri-innovators capable of driving sustainable, scalable, and impactful change in India’s agricultural sector.
For more information, visit MANAGE-CIA.
