AIP (Agri-Startup Incubation Programme)

The Agri-Startup Incubation Programme (AIP) is run by the Agri-Food Business Incubation Centre (AFBIC) at IIT Kharagpur under the RKVY-RAFTAAR program of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is designed for agri-food startups that have moved beyond the idea stage and are currently at the MVP, beta, or expansion phase of their product or service.

Selected startups receive a non-dilutive grant-in-aid of up to ₹25 lakh, disbursed after a rigorous selection, training, and performance evaluation process. In addition to funding, the programme offers one month of online mentorship and a 15-day on-campus incubation workshop at IIT Kharagpur. This gives founders structured access to the institute's Agricultural and Food Engineering department, domain experts, and AFBIC's extensive agri-startup network.

AIP is specifically for West Bengal–linked ventures in agriculture, food processing, and allied sectors. The grant is equity-free. Applications for Cohort 3.0 close on 30 May 2026.

• Non-dilutive grant of up to ₹25 lakh for agri-startups.
• Open to West Bengal–linked startups at MVP/beta/expansion stage.
• Includes one-month online mentorship and 15-day on-campus workshop at IIT Kharagpur.
• Run by AFBIC, IIT Kharagpur under RKVY-RAFTAAR, Ministry of Agriculture.
• No equity taken by AFBIC.
• Cohort 3.0 deadline: 30 May 2026.

AIP is open to startups at the MVP, beta, or expansion stage of their product or service. The startup must be working in agriculture, food processing, or allied sectors. Additionally, either the founder must be from West Bengal, or the startup must be originating from West Bengal. Typically, a registered company (private limited or LLP) is required.

AIP (Agri-Startup Incubation Programme) is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for AIP (Agri-Startup Incubation Programme) closed on 30 Jun 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Up to ₹25 lakh in non-dilutive grant-in-aid, disbursed by AFBIC after selection and milestone-based performance evaluation. Selected startups also receive one month of online mentorship and a 15-day on-campus incubation workshop at IIT Kharagpur, plus access to the institute's domain experts, lab infrastructure, and the wider AFBIC agri-startup network.

AIP (Agri-Startup Incubation Programme) is offered by Agri Food Business Incubation Centre (AFBIC), IIT Kharagpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by Agri Food Business Incubation Centre (AFBIC), IIT Kharagpur as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.

Applications are submitted via the AFBIC Cohort 3.0 form by 30 May 2026. AFBIC conducts an initial screening for eligibility and AIP-track fit. Shortlisted startups then undergo a training and performance evaluation phase. Finally, the AFBIC committee reviews and recommends startups for grant-in-aid disbursement.

Before you apply to AIP (Agri-Startup Incubation Programme), 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.

AIP (Agri-Startup Incubation Programme) is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.