AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1: Discovery & Ideation
Seed grant of up to ₹40L for early-stage AI/agritech ideas under Maharashtra's Maha Agri-AI Policy. Includes mentorship, datasets, and sandbox access.
- Funding amount
- ₹40L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Government of Maharashtra (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Dec 2025)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The AI & AgriTech Innovation Center is an initiative under the Government of Maharashtra's Maha Agri-AI Policy 2025–2029. This center aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and other frontier digital technologies across the entire agricultural value chain. Track 1: Discovery & Ideation is specifically designed to accelerate innovation at the earliest stages by supporting novel ideas and prototypes that leverage AI and data technologies to solve key agricultural challenges. The track encourages out-of-the-box innovations and welcomes first-time entrants into the agritech space. Ultimate goal is to develop a validated prototype or concept that is ready for real-world piloting.
Highlights
- Seed funding of up to ₹40 Lakhs in grant form – no equity taken.
- Open to individuals, startups, and researchers from public institutions.
- Focused on early-stage AI/Agritech ideas that are not yet field-tested.
- Part of the Government of Maharashtra’s 5-year Maha Agri-AI Policy for digital agriculture.
- Successful projects get mentorship, datasets, and a path toward piloting.
Who can apply
This track is open to innovators, startups, or researchers from public research institutions working on early-stage projects. Eligible proposals may be at the concept stage, proof-of-concept (PoC), or minimum viable product (MVP) stage, but must not have been tested in real-world conditions yet. Proposals should demonstrate clear potential impact, feasibility, and scalability, with a focus on using AI and data technologies to address agricultural challenges.
AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1: Discovery & Ideation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1: Discovery & Ideation closed on 15 Dec 2025. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Seed funding or grants: Up to ₹40 Lakhs for research and prototyping.
- Mentorship and technical guidance: Expert support to refine and develop your solution.
- Access to datasets, sandboxes, and resources provided by the MahaAgri-AI Center.
- Expected outcome: A validated prototype or concept ready for piloting.
About the provider
AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1: Discovery & Ideation is offered by Government of Maharashtra, a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1: Discovery & Ideation, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1: Discovery & Ideation is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹40L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1?
It's a grant program under the Government of Maharashtra's Maha Agri-AI Policy 2025–2029. Track 1 provides early-stage seed funding to accelerate AI and digital solutions for agricultural challenges, from concept to validated prototype.
How much funding is offered, and what type of funding is it?
The grant offers up to ₹40 Lakhs. It is a grant, so no equity or repayment is required.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is marked as 2025-12-15.
Who can apply?
Innovators, startups, and researchers from public research institutions can apply. The program is open to individuals or teams with early-stage ideas, concepts, proof-of-concepts, or MVPs that have not yet been piloted in real conditions.
What kind of projects are eligible?
Projects that apply AI and data technologies to solve agricultural problems are eligible. The idea must be at an early stage – before any real-world testing. It should show potential impact, feasibility, and scalability.
Is there any equity taken or repayment required?
No, this is a grant. Grants are non-dilutive, meaning you don’t give up equity and don't need to repay the funding.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
There is no mention of DPIIT or MSME registration as a requirement for this program.
What support do successful applicants receive besides funding?
They receive mentorship and technical guidance to refine their prototypes, plus access to datasets, sandboxes, and other resources from the MahaAgri-AI Center.
How do I apply?
You can apply via the online application form at the link provided by the center. Ensure you submit all required details about your idea and team.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the official application page for complete details, or refer to the AI & AgriTech Innovation Center's resources listed under the Government of Maharashtra.
Who offers AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1: Discovery & Ideation?
AI & AgriTech Innovation Center - Track 1: Discovery & Ideation is offered by Government of Maharashtra, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from Government of Maharashtra
Government of Maharashtra runs another program listed on startupfunds — compare them before you decide where to apply.
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