PRASFUTAN - R-ABI Seed Stage Funding for Agriculture Startups

The PRASFUTAN (Product to Market Stage) initiative, powered by RKVY-RAFTAAR, delivers crucial seed-stage funding for startups in the agriculture and allied sectors.

This program targets ventures that have developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). It provides non-dilutive grant support, capped at ₹25 lakh or 85% of the total project cost, to aid companies in moving from product launch to achieving market viability.

To qualify, applicants must complete a minimum two-month residency at a Regional Agri-Business Incubator (R-ABI). During this period, startups gain access to essential incubation facilities, laboratory testing, certifications, training, and extensive mentorship.

Successful participants receive seed funding, which can be allocated towards product refinement, market entry strategies, and scaling operations. Grant funds are disbursed in three milestone-linked tranches (40%, 40%, 20%) upon achieving pre-defined goals for each phase.

Each R-ABI supports a maximum of 20 startups to ensure dedicated oversight. Beyond financial aid, grantees benefit from R-ABI's Demo Day for investor pitches, market access assistance, and networking opportunities to attract further investment from angel investors, VCs, and commercial lenders.

• Non-dilutive seed grant up to ₹25 lakh.
• Covers 85% of the project cost.
• Aimed at agri and allied sector startups with an MVP.
• Requires a minimum two-month residency at an R-ABI.
• Grant disbursed in three milestone-linked tranches.
• Open to DPIIT-recognized Indian entities (Private Limited, LLP, Partnership) incorporated within five years.

This program is designed for Indian startups that are incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Partnership. Applicants must be recognized as an Indian startup by DPIIT, have been incorporated within the last five years, and maintain an annual turnover not exceeding ₹25 crore since incorporation.

Startups must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in the agriculture or allied sectors.

A mandatory requirement is current incubation at an R-ABI, with a minimum two-month residency completed.

For the R-ABI at IIT BHU Varanasi specifically, only startups registered in Uttar Pradesh are eligible.

Entities that are foreign subsidiaries, restructured businesses, or have previously received funding under this specific seed component or duplicate grants from other Indian government ministries for the same activity are not eligible.