MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 Cohort II - MANAGE Fisheries Innovation

The MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 (Cohort II) is a national initiative dedicated to fostering innovation within India's vital fisheries and aquaculture sector. This program specifically targets startups, aspiring aquapreneurs, and innovators who are developing solutions to address challenges and opportunities in this domain. It is spearheaded by the MANAGE Fisheries Innovation and Startup Hub (MANAGE–FISHub), an entity supported by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India. The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) in Hyderabad serves as the host institution for this significant program.

The core objective of the program is to guide promising fisheries and aquaculture ideas from their conceptual stage through to becoming viable, scalable startup ventures. Participants engage in a focused one-month mentoring and incubation period. This intensive engagement provides practical experience with established fisheries startups, alongside critical learning about business models, the intricacies of aquaculture value chains, and prevailing market opportunities.

Throughout the program, selected participants benefit from over 60 hours of comprehensive mentoring, technical guidance, and direct exposure to the dynamic fisheries innovation ecosystem. Key offerings include expert technical and business mentorship, valuable networking opportunities with industry stakeholders, and specialized incubation workshops. Furthermore, startups that demonstrate exceptional promise may receive recommendations for further mentoring and potential grant-in-aid funding under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, contingent on meeting specific eligibility criteria.

• Incubation program for fisheries and aquaculture startups and aquapreneurs.
• Potential grant-in-aid of up to ₹25,00,000 under RKVY-RAFTAAR.
• One-month intensive mentoring and entrepreneurial training.
• Over 60 hours of technical and business guidance.
• Open to innovators, rural youth, and students across India.
• Application deadline: March 31, 2026.

The MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 (Cohort II) welcomes applications from a broad spectrum of innovators dedicated to the fisheries and aquaculture sector across India.

• The program is open to:
  • Fisheries startups
  • Aspiring aquapreneurs
  • Innovators
  • Rural youth
  • Students
• Applicants must present an innovative idea or solution directly relevant to fisheries or aquaculture. This can encompass a wide range of innovations, including new technologies, improved processes, novel services, or innovative business platforms. The primary aim of these solutions should be to enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, or boost profitability within the sector.
• A clear initial business plan or proposal is required, detailing the innovation's potential, its scalability, and its anticipated impact.
• Participants are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing entrepreneurship full-time within the fisheries or aquaculture domain.
• Solutions may address various critical areas, such as:
  • Aquaculture inputs
  • Fisheries logistics and cold chain management
  • Waste-to-wealth initiatives
  • Fisheries advisory services
  • Biotechnology applications
  • Aquaculture mechanization
  • Digital technologies like AI, IoT, or blockchain specifically applied to fisheries.

MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 Cohort II - MANAGE Fisheries Innovation is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 Cohort II - MANAGE Fisheries Innovation closed on 31 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

While the core of the MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program is structured incubation and mentorship, successful startups emerging from the program may be recommended for significant financial support.

• Participants who demonstrate exceptional promise during the incubation period could be considered for grant-in-aid opportunities.
• These potential grants are offered under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, subject to the startup meeting the specific eligibility criteria of that scheme.
• The grant-in-aid can provide funding of up to ₹25,00,000 (Twenty-Five Lakh Indian Rupees) to help scale their innovative fisheries and aquaculture ventures.
• As this is a grant, the funding provided is non-dilutive, meaning the program does not take an equity stake in the recipient startups.

MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 Cohort II - MANAGE Fisheries Innovation 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.

Before you apply to MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 Cohort II - MANAGE Fisheries Innovation, 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.

MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 Cohort II - MANAGE Fisheries Innovation 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.