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KSHITIJ – ICAR-CIRCOT Startup Incubation Programme
The KSHITIJ program, managed by the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), is a specialized incubation initiative for agri-tech startups and innovators. It provides early-stage ventures with a Proof of Concept (PoC) or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) access to one month of intensive technical mentoring, field validation, and business modeling to scale agricultural innovations. The program bridges the gap between raw innovation and commercial viability by utilizing the expertise of ICAR-CIRCOT and its Agri-Business Incubation Centre (ABIC). Selected participants undergo 30 days of rigorous mentoring including technical guidance from ICAR scientists and industry experts, field validation, and business development support. The program targets specific technological interventions including advanced engineering (farm mechanization, robotics, smart harvesting), precision agriculture (digital agricultural solutions and precision farming tools), post-harvest management (post-harvest technology, processing, and specialized storage solutions), and logistics & business (market linkage, business modeling, and IP advisory). The KSHITIJ initiative operates on a Hub and Spoke model, with ICAR-CIRCOT Mumbai acting as the central hub and five other ICAR institutes providing regional outreach.
FAO Award for Innovation
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes individuals, institutions, or organizations that have developed innovative approaches, technologies, or practices with a clear and positive impact on food security, sustainable agrifood systems, natural resource management, or rural livelihoods. The award includes a cash prize of US$10 thousand and an official certificate of recognition. Eligible nominees may come from the public or private sector, civil society, academia, or international organizations. Nominations must be endorsed by an FAO Representative or FAO senior official to be considered for this prestigious award.