On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Pusa Krishi, IARI, launched its incubation programs—UPJA (Seed) and ARISE (Pre-seed)—for the year 2025-26, under the RKVY-RAFTAAR project (Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare). These programs are specifically designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in the agriculture and allied sectors by providing them with the essential resources, mentorship and guidance needed to transform their ideas into successful ventures.
What is UPJA
UPJA is an agribusiness incubation program focused on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in India's agri-startup ecosystem. This program targets agri-startups that have moved beyond the prototype phase, with established products already in the market. It offers technology validation, mentoring, pilot opportunities, go-to-market support and industry connections to startups with innovative solutions at the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage. Startups can receive funding of up to Rs. 25 lakhs under the program.
What is ARISE
ARISE is a specially designed incubation program for early-stage agri-startups that provides a platform for budding entrepreneurs with innovative ideas. It offers crucial entrepreneurial skills through mentoring, industry exposure, business and technology validation, and strong advisory services. The program is aimed at creating impactful solutions within the agriculture ecosystem. Startups can receive funding of up to Rs. 5 lakhs under ARISE.
Financial Support for Students
Students with entrepreneurial aspirations can also receive funding of up to Rs. 4 lakhs to develop their products under the scheme.
Who Can Apply?
Indian startups existing at the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage/ those existing at the idea stage, and students without a registered startup but with an idea can apply for these programs. Registration starts on 1st April 2025, and ends on 30th April 2025.
Click to apply: https://pusakrishi.accubate.app/ext/form/3395/1/apply
For more details, visit our official website: https://pusakrishi.in
