The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has partnered with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to invite applications for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort under the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. This initiative targets start-ups and MSMEs from India and Australia, focusing on fostering innovations that address critical agricultural challenges shared by both nations.
Set to commence in October 2024, the Climate Smart Agritech cohort is designed to support businesses with technologies and solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience amid increasing climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity. The program seeks start-ups and MSMEs that prioritize farmer needs, on-farm practices, and innovative solutions tailored to the unique agricultural environments of India and Australia.
Since its launch in 2023, the RISE Accelerator has played a crucial role in helping start-ups and MSMEs validate, adapt, and pilot their technologies in new markets. With the introduction of the Climate Smart Agritech cohort, the program now aims to accelerate the growth of agritech innovations that can effectively address environmental challenges and improve agricultural sustainability.
“India and Australia share common agricultural challenges, but the scale and diversity of our farming operations are unique,” said Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO. “This cohort will enable participants to achieve product-market fit in diverse markets and rapidly scale their solutions to meet global demands.”
The nine-month program will offer a mix of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions, including immersion weeks in both India and Australia. Participants will benefit from deep market insights, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship from industry professionals. The program is also designed to facilitate connections with potential partners and customers, increasing the likelihood of successful market entry.
Field trials and technology pilots will be conducted in the latter half of the program, allowing participants to test and refine their solutions in real-world settings.
“By fostering innovation and providing a platform for start-ups to scale their solutions, the RISE Accelerator program not only addresses the immediate challenges in the agriculture sector but also ensures that farmers can access and adopt resilient practices tailored to their specific needs,” said Pramit Dash, Program Lead at AIM.
The program is seeking innovative solutions that address critical agricultural issues, including enhancing productivity, reducing emissions, and optimizing natural resource use.
Applications for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort are open until September 15. The program 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.
The RISE Accelerator, a bilateral initiative led by CSIRO and AIM, NITI Aayog, focuses on tackling shared environmental and climate challenges by supporting the expansion of innovative agritech solutions across borders.
