ANKUR - Seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI

The ANKUR program, also known as the Startup Agri Incubation Program, is an initiative managed by the ICAR-CIRCOT RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator (R-ABI). It is designed to provide crucial support to emerging agri-startups.

This program offers seed-stage funding in the form of grants-in-aid. The primary objective is to empower agricultural ventures to successfully commercialize their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and effectively scale up their operations.

Such support is vital for fostering sustainable growth and innovation within India's competitive agricultural landscape. The call for applications specifically targets entrepreneurs based in Maharashtra and Goa who are actively engaged in the agriculture and allied sectors.

• Receive grant funding up to ₹25 lakh.
• Application deadline is January 31, 2026.
• Program offered by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI.
• Targets seed-stage agri-startups.
• Exclusively for entrepreneurs in Maharashtra & Goa.
• Provides non-dilutive grant-in-aid funding.

The ANKUR program is open to seed-stage agri-startups operating in Maharashtra and Goa. Applicants must be working within the agriculture and allied sectors, with a clear focus on commercializing their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and scaling their business activities.

ANKUR - Seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for ANKUR - Seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

The ANKUR program provides essential seed-stage funding to eligible agri-startups. This support is delivered as grants-in-aid, which are non-dilutive and do not require equity in return. The funding is intended to help startups commercialize their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and expand their operations.

ANKUR - Seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is offered by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, 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.

The selection process for the ANKUR program involves several distinct stages, guiding applicants from initial screening through to the release of funding.

• Pre-screening: Applicants first undergo a pre-screening phase conducted by Knowledge Partners (KPs) or Agri-Business Incubators (RABIs). This step helps in identifying suitable candidates for further training.

• RIC Round I: Following approximately one month of initial training, a selection round (RIC Round I) takes place for both pre-seed and seed-stage startups.

• First Instalment Release: Upon successful selection, the first instalment of the grant is released to the chosen seed-stage startups.

• Incubation Workshop: Participants are required to attend a focused 15-day incubation workshop to further develop their business acumen and strategies.

• Review and Approval: The progress of the incubated startups is then reviewed. The Seed Investment Committee (SIC) assesses their development and approves the release of the second instalment. This stage also involves compiling a comprehensive progress report and a Utilization Certificate (UC).

• Second Instalment Release: The second instalment of the grant is subsequently released to the selected seed-stage startups.

• Final Recommendation: The SIC provides final fund recommendations and assists in setting key milestones for the startups.

• Ongoing Review: Regular meetings by the Research and Innovation Committee (RIC) are held periodically to address any challenges or issues faced by the startups during their incubation period.

Before you apply to ANKUR - Seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, 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.

ANKUR - Seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI 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.