MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15
A grant program offering up to ₹5 lakh for aspiring agripreneurs with innovative startup ideas in the agriculture sector.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Mar 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP), part of the RKVY-RAFTAAR initiative, is managed by the MANAGE Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA). This program is specifically designed to assist budding agripreneurs in developing and validating their innovative business concepts within the agribusiness domain. It targets individuals who are dedicated to establishing full-time ventures in agriculture and its allied sectors.
Participants in the AOP benefit from a structured one-month program that includes comprehensive mentoring and a practical internship experience. This immersive approach provides hands-on exposure to startup operations and fundamental business strategies. Through interactions with seasoned mentors and existing startups, participants gain critical insights into market challenges, effective business models, and the execution tactics necessary for success in agribusiness.
Upon successfully completing the orientation phase, participants are given the chance to present their business ideas for potential grant-in-aid funding. This funding, which can be up to ₹5 lakh, is allocated to support the creation of prototypes or the development of early-stage products and services, facilitating the transition of entrepreneurs from concept to practical implementation.
The AOP plays a vital role in cultivating a strong pipeline of high-potential agribusiness startups. By nurturing individuals at the initial stages of their entrepreneurial journey, the program emphasizes practical learning, iterative development, and strategic planning, ensuring participants are well-equipped for subsequent incubation and funding opportunities.
Highlights
- Grant funding of up to ₹5 lakh available.
- One-month structured mentoring and hands-on internship.
- Supports innovative ideas in the agribusiness sector.
- Open to individual agripreneurs at the idea stage.
- Funding targets prototype development and early-stage products.
- Application deadline is March 31, 2026.
Who can apply
- Applicants must present an innovative business concept within the agribusiness sector.
- The proposed idea should be based on a new technology, product, service, or a unique business platform.
- Candidates are required to have an initial business plan or a detailed proposal ready.
- Participants are expected to commit to pursuing entrepreneurship on a full-time basis.
- The program is open to individual agripreneurs who are currently at the idea stage of their venture.
MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 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 MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 closed on 31 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
This program offers significant support to agripreneurs:
- Grant Funding: Successful participants can receive grant-in-aid funding of up to ₹5 lakh. This financial assistance is specifically intended to aid in the development of prototypes or early-stage products and services, helping entrepreneurs move from conceptualisation to execution.
- Mentoring and Internship: Participants benefit from a structured one-month program that includes dedicated mentoring and a hands-on internship experience. This provides practical exposure to startup operations and essential business strategies.
- Business Development Support: The program helps participants understand market challenges, refine business models, and develop effective execution strategies through expert guidance and interaction with established startups.
About the provider
MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 is offered by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15, 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
MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP)?
The Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) is an initiative under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, implemented by the MANAGE Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA). It aims to support aspiring agripreneurs in developing and validating innovative agribusiness ideas through a structured one-month mentoring and internship program, with potential grant funding.
What type of funding does this program offer?
The program offers grant-in-aid funding, which means it is non-dilutive and does not require equity from your startup.
What is the maximum grant amount available?
Upon successful completion of the orientation program, participants have the opportunity to pitch for grant-in-aid funding of up to ₹5 lakh.
Who is eligible to apply for the Agripreneurship Orientation Program?
The program is open to individual agripreneurs who are at the idea stage of their venture. Applicants must propose an innovative idea in the agribusiness sector, which could be based on technology, a product, a service, or a business platform, and must have an initial business plan. Participants are expected to pursue entrepreneurship full-time.
What kind of ideas are considered for this program?
The program seeks innovative ideas within the agribusiness sector. These ideas should be based on new technology, a unique product, a novel service, or an innovative business platform.
What are the key benefits for participants in the AOP?
Participants receive a structured one-month mentoring and hands-on internship experience, gaining practical exposure to startup operations and business strategy. They also get the opportunity to pitch for grant funding of up to ₹5 lakh to develop prototypes or early-stage products/services.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required to apply?
The provided information does not specify any requirements for DPIIT or MSME registration for this program.
What is the application deadline for Cohort 15?
The application deadline for Cohort 15 is March 31, 2026.
How can I apply for the MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR AOP?
You can apply for the program through the provided application link: https://forms.gle/mnuFrthkvS9q4UVL9.
How much funding does MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 provide?
MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 provides ₹5L (up to) as grant. Always confirm the exact amount and any conditions on the official site, as figures can change between cohorts.
Does MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 take equity?
No. MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 is grant and is non-dilutive — the provider does not take an equity stake in your startup.
Who offers MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15?
MANAGE-CIA RKVY-RAFTAAR Agripreneurship Orientation Program (AOP) Cohort 15 is offered by a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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