Agri-Start-ups Graduation Ceremony Organized by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM

17 March 2023, Hyderabad

a-IDEA, The Technology Business Incubator of ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad  organized its First Graduation Ceremony of Agri-Startups today  at ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad. To commemorate the success of the Agri Startups and to support and encourage the startup ecosystem in agriculture and allied sectors.

Twenty Agri-startups who are incubated under a-IDEA’s incubation program titled “KRISHIBOOT 1.0” were received certificates and mementos and four winners of Aggnite 3.0 also awarded certificates and cash prizes.

Shri. Devasis Padhi, Chief General Manager (OFDD), NABARD,  Mumbai delivered the Chief Guest Address  he highlighted that start-ups must make themselves strong and not rely on funds and grants. India being the 3rd largest in the start-up ecosystem.

Mr. Shantanu Pendsey, CGM, SBI, Mumbai shared his thoughts on the importance of start-up products being market ready. He expressed his interest in making start-ups bank ready.

The presidential address delivered by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, President, a-IDEA & Director, NAARM wherein he stated the importance of value addition of fruits and the necessity for continuous innovation.

Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Senior Executive Director, NFDB, Hyderabad stated the activities carried out by NFDB and the schemes promoting aquahub/ aquaculture besides highlighting the subsidies available for women in the fisheries sector.

Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu, Vice President, a-IDEA and Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM in his welcome address highlighted the significance of the graduation ceremony and the various initiatives of a-IDEA.

Dr. Senthil Vinayagam, CEO, a-IDEA presented the overall program details earlier.

Mr. Emmanuel Murray, Investment Director, Caspian, Hyderabad expressed the support extended by CASPIAN over the years as both an investor, ecosystem partner, sponsor to a-IDEAs various programs.

Ms. Sunita Singh, Executive Vice President, Wadhwani Foundation, Mumbai spoke on the sustainability aspects of agri-startups in India.

About 100 startups, 50 students, farmers, outreach partners, ecosystem partners, mentors, banking officials, other incubation centre managers, investors, scientists, faculty and officials from SAU’s/ ABI’s/ TBI’s and employees of ICAR-NAARM, a-IDEA staff participated in the event.

Source: ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management