PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana
PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 offers up to ₹5 lakh non-dilutive grant for innovative agri ideas, with incubation support from PAU Ludhiana.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI), Punjab Agricultural University (Government)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 May 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The UDDAM Programme is an Agripreneurship Orientation Programme organized by the Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI), a facility established in March 2019 at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. PABI operates under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, a central Government of India initiative by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmer Welfare (DAC&FW) within the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. RKVY-RAFTAAR aims to strengthen infrastructure and support agri-startups. Leveraging PAU's expertise, PABI is a regional hub for innovation, having trained over 250 startups, funded 92, and disbursed more than ₹11.5 crore.
This program targets individuals with innovative ideas in agriculture and allied sectors, guiding them from concept to prototype. Selected participants receive a non-dilutive grant-in-aid of up to ₹5 lakh, provided as a lump sum upon selection to enable immediate development. The grant must be used to create a working prototype—product, service, process, business platform, or model.
Beyond funding, UDDAM offers end-to-end incubation: market research and validation support, business model development, and help with prototype creation and piloting. Innovators also gain access to PAU's farmer networks and field resources, industry linkages, market connections, and the academic backing of Punjab Agricultural University.
Highlights
- Non-dilutive grant of up to ₹5 lakh for prototyping
- Open to students, youth, farmers, women, and any innovator in agriculture/allied sectors
- No prior startup registration required
- End-to-end incubation: market research, business model, prototype piloting
- Access to PAU farmer networks, industry linkages, and academic support
- Part of RKVY-RAFTAAR, a Government of India initiative
Who can apply
The UDDAM Programme is open to a wide range of innovators: students, youth, smart farmers, women, and anyone with an innovative idea impacting agriculture or allied sectors. The idea must be rooted in sectors like food processing, animal husbandry, horticulture, rural technology, or supply chain management. Prior startup registration is not required—applicants at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey are welcome. All grant funds must be exclusively used to develop a functional prototype of the approved idea.
PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana 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 PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana closed on 31 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
Selected innovators receive a non-dilutive grant-in-aid of up to ₹5 lakh, paid as a lump sum for prototyping. This is paired with comprehensive incubation: mentorship for market research, business model development, and prototype piloting. Participants gain direct access to PAU's farmer networks, industry linkages, market connections, and the full research and academic support of Punjab Agricultural University.
About the provider
PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana is offered by Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI), Punjab Agricultural University, 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.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are submitted online via the designated portal, detailing the innovative idea, agricultural impact, proposed solution, preliminary business model, team background, and a clear plan for using the grant for prototype development. Submissions undergo rigorous screening by experts from PABI and PAU, evaluating novelty, sector relevance, feasibility, and scalability. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview or pitch session. Final decisions are communicated, and selected innovators begin incubation and receive the grant.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana, 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
PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana 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 does the UDDAM Programme provide?
Selected participants receive a non-dilutive grant-in-aid of up to ₹5 lakh, paid as a lump sum upon selection to support prototype development.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 cycle?
The deadline for the PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 is May 31, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to students, youth, smart farmers, women, and any individual with an innovative idea in agriculture or allied sectors (e.g., food processing, animal husbandry, horticulture, rural technology, supply chain). No prior startup registration is needed.
Does the programme take equity or require repayment?
No, the grant is non-dilutive—no equity is taken and no repayment is required. The funds must be used solely for developing a working prototype.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
No, DPIIT or MSME registration is not required to apply. The programme is accessible to first-time founders and individual innovators.
What kind of support does the incubation provide?
Incubation includes assistance with market research and validation, business model development, prototype creation and piloting, plus access to PAU's farmer networks, industry linkages, market connections, and academic resources.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online through the designated portal at https://pabipau.accubate.app/ext/form/23555/1/apply. You need to provide details about your innovative idea, agricultural impact, solution, team, and a plan for using the grant for prototyping.
What documents or information are needed for the application?
The application requires information about your innovative idea, its agricultural impact, proposed solution, preliminary business model, team background, and a clear plan for utilizing the grant funds for prototype development.
Which sectors or industries are supported?
The programme focuses on agriculture and allied sectors, including but not limited to food processing, animal husbandry, horticulture, rural technology, and supply chain management.
Who offers PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana?
PABI UDDAM Pre-Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana is offered by Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI), Punjab Agricultural University, a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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