Applications are currently open for ICAR SHITIJ 2.0, a flagship incubation programme supporting Indian startups and entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions for agriculture and allied sectors. Launched under the National Agriculture Innovation Fund, the programme uses a Hub-and-Spoke model connecting 50 ICAR Agribusiness Incubation Centres across India and focuses primarily on Plant Health and Precision Agriculture.
Program Structure and Offerings
• Program Duration: Selected startups will participate in a structured two-month online incubation programme from 20 August to 19 October 2026.
• Expert Mentoring: Participants will receive guidance from technical experts, business professionals, industry specialists, and startup mentors.
• Business and Technical Support: The programme provides tailored support to help startups improve their technologies, business models, operational strategies, and commercialisation plans.
• Technology Validation: Selected ventures may access ICAR’s scientific expertise and receive support in testing and validating their agricultural innovations.
• Infrastructure and Facilities: Participants may gain access to laboratories, incubation infrastructure, technical facilities, and other resources available through the ICAR Agribusiness Incubation Centre Network.
• Pilot and Market Opportunities: Startups will be supported in identifying pilot opportunities, testing their solutions, building market connections, and engaging with potential customers or industry partners.
• Funding and Industry Connections: The programme facilitates connections with industry stakeholders and relevant funding opportunities that may support startup development and growth.
• Physical Incubation and Scale-Up: Depending on individual startup requirements, selected ventures may receive additional physical incubation, one-to-one mentoring, regional support, and technology validation through participating incubation centres.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
• Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
• Sector Requirement: Applicants must have an innovation, idea, product, startup, or solution relevant to agriculture or an allied sector.
• Focus Areas: The programme particularly welcomes solutions related to Plant Health and Precision Agriculture.
• Development Stage: Entrepreneurs may apply with an idea, innovation, product, or existing startup, meaning participation is not limited to a specific investment stage.
• Application Fee: Applications are free of charge.
• Direct Submission: Applications must be submitted directly by the startup or entrepreneur. Pusa Krishi does not authorise third-party agencies, consultants, companies, or individuals to manage applications or charge applicants a fee.
• Application Editing: Applicants may save an incomplete application and return to complete it later. However, applications cannot be edited after final submission.
Selection Process and Timeline
Applications will undergo a two-stage evaluation conducted jointly by designated Hub and Spoke Agribusiness Incubation Centres.
• Applications Open: 03 July 2026.
• Application Deadline: 31 July 2026.
• Pre-Screening: 04–08 August 2026.
• Result Announcement: 11 August 2026.
• Online Incubation Programme: 20 August–19 October 2026.
For comprehensive information regarding ICAR SHITIJ 2.0, its eligibility conditions, programme benefits, selection process, and application requirements, prospective applicants should visit the official programme webpage and submit their applications through the authorised online application portal.