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

The ANKUR program, also called the Startup Agri Incubation Program, is run by the ICAR-CIRCOT RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator (R-ABI). It is designed to support early-stage agri-startups with seed-stage funding in the form of grants-in-aid. The funding helps startups commercialize their Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and scale up operations, enabling sustainable growth in the competitive agricultural market. This call specifically invites entrepreneurs from Maharashtra and Goa who are working in agriculture and allied sectors.

• Grant-in-aid of up to ₹25L for seed-stage agri-startups.
• Specifically for entrepreneurs from Maharashtra & Goa.
• Includes a 15-day incubation workshop.
• Funds released in instalments based on progress review by SIC.
• Focus on MVP commercialization and scaling up.
• Application deadline: January 31, 2026.

The ANKUR program is open to seed-stage agri-startups. Applicants must be working in the agriculture and allied sectors. The program specifically targets entrepreneurs from Maharashtra and Goa. The support is aimed at startups that are ready to commercialize their MVP and scale up 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.

Selected startups receive seed-stage funding as grants-in-aid of up to ₹25L. The funds are released in instalments: the first instalment after selection, and the second instalment upon review and approval by the Startup Incubation Committee (SIC). Participants also attend a 15-day incubation workshop to support their growth.

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.

Applications are pre-screened by Knowledge Partners (KPs) or RABIs for initial training. Shortlisted startups then undergo a one-month training, after which RIC Round I selects pre-seed and seed startups. Selected startups receive the first instalment of funds and attend a 15-day incubation workshop. The Startup Incubation Committee (SIC) reviews progress and approves the second instalment upon submission of a progress report and Utilization Certificate (UC). SIC also sets final milestones and recommendations. Regular RIC meetings address startup issues such as name changes, founder changes, milestone adjustments, and disbursement problems.

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.