CIRCOT R-ABI: Fostering Agri-Innovation in India
The establishment of agribusiness incubation centers has played a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within India’s agricultural sector. One such significant initiative is the CIRCOT R-ABI, a part of the RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubators (R-ABI) program, dedicated to nurturing agri-startups and promoting sustainable business ventures in agriculture and allied fields.
CIRCOT R-ABI: Empowering Agri-Startups
CIRCOT R-ABI serves as a dynamic platform for startups and entrepreneurs in agriculture and allied sectors, providing them with the resources and support needed to commercialize their innovative ideas. With state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, and funding opportunities, it has been instrumental in transforming groundbreaking ideas into successful businesses.
CIRCOT R-ABI recognizes the transformative potential of innovation in agriculture and remains committed to supporting visionary entrepreneurs. By fostering a thriving community of innovators, it continues to drive growth and impact in the agricultural sector.
Genesis of Agri-Incubation in India
The journey of agri-business incubation in India began in 2008 with the establishment of Zonal Technology Management and Business Planning & Development (ZTM-BPD) units across ICAR institutes under the World Bank-aided National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP). Recognizing its excellence in technology commercialization, transfer, and Intellectual Property Rights management, the first ZTM-BPD unit was launched at ICAR-CIRCOT in 2009.
Building upon the success of ZTM-BPD in driving entrepreneurship, ICAR established 27 Agribusiness Incubation (ABI) centers across India in 2015. These centers are dedicated to transforming innovative agribusiness ideas into viable commercial ventures by providing technology-driven support and skill enhancement.
The Evolution of ICAR-CIRCOT Agri Business Incubation Centre
The ICAR-CIRCOT Agri Business Incubation Centre was established in 2006 with a focus on supporting stakeholders in the cotton industry. Over the years, the center has admitted 16 entrepreneurs, graduated seven incubatees, facilitated the development and commercialization of nine innovative products, and helped secure funding for various agri-entrepreneurs. This initiative has also generated employment opportunities through business-oriented activities.
CIRCOT R-ABI: A New Era in Agri-Innovation
Recognizing the commendable work of CIRCOT in post-harvest processing and cotton value chain development, the RKVY Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare designated CIRCOT as an Agri Business Incubator under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme on 31st January 2019. Since then, CIRCOT R-ABI has expanded its reach to agriculture and allied sectors, emerging as one of the 29 prominent RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubators.
Support for Agri-Startups and Entrepreneurs
CIRCOT R-ABI provides a robust platform for graduates, rural youth, and farmers to commercialize their innovative ideas in agriculture. This incubation center offers access to experienced mentors, networking opportunities, and financial aid to help turn ideas into reality. Additionally, CIRCOT R-ABI is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories featuring high-tech analytical instruments, essential for agri-innovators to validate and refine their innovations.
The incubation facility provides office space, digital infrastructure, and expert guidance, fostering a dynamic environment where entrepreneurs can explore and enhance their innovations.
Focus Areas:
| Agri Inputs | Precision Farming | Agricultural Supply Chain | Agricultural Biotechnology |
| Post-Harvest & Food Technology | Agricultural Machinery | IoT, ICT and AI in Agriculture | Natural Resource Management |
| Animal Husbandry, Dairying | Agri Clinics & Farm Health Services | Farm Mechanisation | Natural Fibre Engineering & Technology |
| Agri Extension Education | Waste to Wealth, Secondary Agriculture | Organic Farming | Nanotechnology Applications in Agriculture and Textile Finishing |
Key Programs Under CIRCOT R-ABI
CIRCOT R-ABI operates two flagship programs under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme:
Uday (Pre-seed Stage Funding Program): Provides funding up to Rs. 5 lakhs to agri-startups for translating innovative ideas into workable prototypes.
Ankur (Seed Stage Funding Program): Offers grant-in-aid up to Rs. 25 lakhs to agri-startups for commercializing their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and scaling up their business activities.
Key Achievements
116 Startups Trained under AOP and SAIP program
51 Startups Incubated
Rs. 6.4 Crore sanctioned for startups
10+ Intellectual Property generated by startups
55+ Expert lectures conducted
22 Startup Prototypes Developed
200+ Employment Opportunities Generated
Cohort 10 Announcement
ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, is inviting applications for Cohort 10 of its Agri Incubation Programs. The last date to apply is 20th March 2025.
As per new RKVY directives, applications from residents of Maharashtra only have been accepted since the year 2024 i.e 9th cohort onwards. This grant-in-aid is to develop selected Indian entrepreneurs (residents of Maharashtra only) to develop innovative agri-business ideas, prototypes, or MVPs that benefit farmers and agri-allied stakeholders.
Programs Available:
1️⃣ ARAMBH: Student Entrepreneurship Program (SEP)
Grant-in-aid: Up to ₹4 Lakhs for Proof of Concept. To apply click here.
2️⃣ UDAY: Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP)
Grant-in-aid: Up to ₹5 Lakhs for Prototype Development. to apply click here.
3️⃣ ANKUR: Startup Agri-Business Incubation Program (SAIP)
Grant-in-aid: Up to ₹25 Lakhs for Minimum Viable Product. to apply click here.
Who Should Apply?
Entrepreneurs and startups in agriculture and allied sectors at stages of Proof of Concept, Prototype Development, or Minimum Viable Product.
Program Benefits:
Funding Support: Up to ₹25 Lakhs
1-Month Incubation: Structured guidance
Mentoring & Expert Sessions
Prototype Validation Connect
Market & Investor Connect
📞 For Queries, Contact:
Dr. Ashok Kumar Bharimalla – Chief Executive Officer
📱 8805582002 | 9049067412 | 9922732238
🌐 For More Details Visit: http://www.circotrabi.in
📌 Note: This cohort accepts agripreneurs from Maharashtra.
CIRCOT R-ABI continues to empower agripreneurs, enhance agricultural productivity, and strengthen India’s agricultural economy. Through its impactful initiatives, it is paving the way for a technologically advanced and sustainable future in agriculture.
