A new India-Australia collaboration is inviting start-ups and MSMEs to join a Climate-Smart Agritech cohort aimed at addressing shared agricultural challenges through innovation, starting in October 2024
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has partnered with Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to launch the Climate-Smart Agritech cohort under the India-Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. This initiative is specifically designed to engage start-ups and MSMEs from both India and Australia, fostering the development of innovations that tackle critical agricultural challenges faced by both countries.
Slated to begin in October 2024, the Climate-Smart Agritech cohort aims to support businesses with technologies and solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of increasing climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity. The programme seeks to identify start-ups and MSMEs that prioritise the needs of farmers, focusing on on-farm practices and creating innovative solutions tailored to the unique agricultural environments of India and Australia.
Since its inception in 2023, the RISE Accelerator has been instrumental in assisting start-ups and MSMEs in validating, adapting, and piloting their technologies in new markets. With the launch of the Climate-Smart Agritech cohort, the programme now targets accelerating agritech innovations that can effectively address environmental challenges and improve agricultural sustainability.
The nine-month programme will combine self-paced online learning with in-person sessions, including immersion weeks in both India and Australia. Participants will gain deep market insights, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship from industry professionals. The programme is also designed to facilitate connections with potential partners and customers, enhancing the likelihood of successful market entry.
Field trials and technology pilots will be conducted in the latter half of the programme, allowing participants to test and refine their solutions in real-world settings.
The programme is seeking innovative solutions that address critical agricultural issues, including enhancing productivity, reducing emissions, and optimising natural resource use.
Applications for the Climate-Smart Agritech cohort are open until 15th September. The programme is free for participating start-ups and MSMEs, with opportunities for travel between Australia and India. Selected participants may also be eligible for non-equity grants of up to INR 45 lakhs.
Led by CSIRO and AIM under NITI Aayog, the RISE Accelerator focuses on tackling shared environmental and climate challenges by supporting the expansion of innovative agritech solutions across borders.