India-Australia RISE Accelerator invites startups and MSMEs for Climate-Smart Agritech Cohort
New Delhi: Atal Innovation Mission, an initiative of NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia, has invited applications from startups and MSMEs in India and Australia for the Climate-Smart Agritech Cohort of the India-Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. This programme supports businesses aiming for international expansion between the two countries and marks a significant milestone in fostering innovations that address pressing agricultural challenges shared by India and Australia.
Starting in October 2024, the Climate Smart Agritech Cohort will focus on startups and MSMEs with technologies and solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience amid increasing climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity. The programme particularly seeks solutions that prioritise farmer needs, priorities, and on-farm practices.
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Launched in 2023, the RISE Accelerator programme has been pivotal in helping startups and MSMEs validate, adapt, and pilot their technologies for new markets. The new Climate Smart Agritech Cohort will continue this mission by supporting agritech startups and MSMEs in developing solutions that address environmental challenges in agriculture.
Speaking on the programme, Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO, said, “India and Australia share common agricultural challenges, but the scale and diversity of our farming operations are unique. This cohort will enable participants to achieve product-market fit in diverse markets and rapidly scale their solutions to meet global demands.”
Over nine months, selected startups and MSMEs will engage in a mix of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions, including immersion weeks in both India and Australia. These sessions will offer deep market insights, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship from subject matter experts and industry professionals. The programme aims to connect participants with potential partners and customers, increasing their chances of success in new markets. Field trials and technology pilots will take place in the latter half of the programme.
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Highlighting the objectives of the programme, Pramit Dash, Program Lead at Atal Innovation Mission, said, “By fostering innovation and providing a platform for startups to scale their solutions, the RISE Accelerator programme addresses immediate agricultural challenges and ensures that farmers can access and adopt resilient practices tailored to their specific needs.”
The latest round of the programme seeks novel solutions to tackle critical agricultural challenges, including boosting productivity, reducing emissions, and optimising natural resource use. The applications for the RISE Accelerator close on September 15, 2024.
According to NITI Aayog, there is no charge for startups or MSMEs to participate in the programme, which includes opportunities for travel between Australia and India. Further, the selected participants may also be eligible for up to INR 45 lakhs in non-equity grants.
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