NEST: Startup Training Program
Grant up to ₹5 Lakhs for startups in millet-based innovation, with training.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The NEST: Startup Training Program is a grant-based initiative delivered by Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR, a Technology Business Incubator in Hyderabad, under the PM-RKVY (RKVY-RAFTAAR) Scheme of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The program focuses on supporting early-stage ventures that are innovating in the millet sector. It offers a non-repayable Grant-in-Aid of up to ₹5 Lakhs per startup to cover operational expenses, market entry strategies, and product refinement based on market feedback. Beyond financial support, participants receive structured training modules covering business development, millet processing and product innovation, and market access strategies. They also gain technical and business mentoring from industry experts to help build scalable business models and improve market readiness in the agri-food ecosystem.
Highlights
- Grant-in-Aid up to ₹5 Lakhs, non-repayable.
- Delivered by Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR under the PM-RKVY (RKVY-RAFTAAR) Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
- Exclusively for startups innovating in the millet sector.
- Includes training on business development, millet processing, product innovation, and market access.
- Provides technical and business mentoring from industry experts.
- Application deadline: 15 May 2026.
Who can apply
The program invites applications from startups that are focused on millet-based innovations. Eligible ventures should be working on products, services, or technologies centered around millets, contributing to sustainable agriculture and nutrition. There are no restrictions on startup stage, industry, state, or entity type mentioned in the source. DPIIT and MSME registration are not explicitly required. Founder requirements are not specified, but the venture must clearly demonstrate a millet-centric innovation.
NEST: Startup Training Program 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 NEST: Startup Training Program closed on 15 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Non-repayable Grant-in-Aid of up to ₹5 Lakhs per startup.
- Funds can be used for operational expenses, market entry strategies, and product refinement.
- Training modules on business development, technical knowledge for millet processing, product innovation, and market access strategies.
- Technical and business mentoring from industry experts.
About the provider
NEST: Startup Training Program is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, 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.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to NEST: Startup Training Program, 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
NEST: Startup Training Program 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
How much funding is offered under the NEST program?
The program offers up to ₹5 Lakhs per startup as a non-repayable Grant-in-Aid.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for submitting applications is 15 May 2026.
Who can apply for this program?
Any startup focused on millet-based innovations is eligible to apply. There are no additional stage, industry, state, or entity type restrictions mentioned.
Does the program require DPIIT or MSME registration?
Neither DPIIT nor MSME registration is listed as a requirement for this program.
Does the program take equity?
No, this is a grant program. The funding is a non-repayable Grant-in-Aid, so no equity is taken.
What can the grant money be used for?
The grant can be used for operational expenses, developing market entry strategies, product refinement based on market feedback, and other activities necessary for startup growth.
What non-financial support is provided?
Participants receive training modules on business development, millet processing, product innovation, and market access strategies, along with technical and business mentoring from industry experts.
How do I apply for the NEST program?
Applications are submitted online via the provided link. You'll need to provide detailed information about your startup, including a business plan highlighting your millet-based innovation.
Who offers NEST: Startup Training Program?
NEST: Startup Training Program is offered by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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