RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme
Up to ₹25L for Indian agritech private limited startups.
- Funding amount
- ₹5L – ₹25L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- SIIC IIT Kanpur (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (20 Mar 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, executed through the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST), IIT Kanpur, and its Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC). It aims to accelerate innovation in agriculture and allied sectors by identifying, incubating, and scaling high-impact agritech startups. The scheme supports up to 40 startups annually with milestone-based grants, mentorship, and access to IIT Kanpur’s labs and expertise. Funding is available in two stages: pre-seed startups can receive up to ₹5 lakhs, and seed-stage startups up to ₹25 lakhs. Additionally, startups attending a one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program receive a stipend of ₹10,000 per month. The program also facilitates market access through partnerships with FPOs, KVKs, ULBs, and industry stakeholders, as well as investor connections.
Highlights
- Up to ₹25 lakhs grant for seed-stage agritech startups.
- Exclusively for Indian private limited companies in agritech.
- Milestone-based funding with structured incubation support.
- Stipend of ₹10,000/month during the one-month orientation program.
- Access to IIT Kanpur’s labs, experts, and market linkages.
- Supports up to 40 startups annually.
Who can apply
Only private limited companies incorporated and based in India may apply. Startups must operate in agriculture and farm technologies, agri-biotech, post-harvest and value addition, AI in agriculture, agri-waste to wealth, farm mechanization, agri supply chain, or related areas. Pre-seed startups must submit a proof of concept; seed-stage startups must have a functional prototype, pilot studies, and some market validation. The product or technology must be original, wholly owned, licensed, or have freedom to operate. The team must be a recognized legal entity with all compliances in place.
RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme 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 RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme closed on 20 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Pre-Seed Stage: Up to ₹5 lakhs
- Seed Stage: Up to ₹25 lakhs
- Funding is milestone-driven and aligned with technology development, validation, and commercialization.
- Stipend: ₹10,000 per month for startups physically attending the one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program.
- Mentorship: Access to IIT Kanpur’s domain experts and technical validation facilities.
- Infrastructure: Use of IIT Kanpur’s laboratories.
- Market Access: Support for piloting and deployment through partnerships with FPOs, KVKs, ULBs, industry stakeholders, and farming communities.
- Investor Connections: Facilitation of follow-on funding opportunities.
About the provider
RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by SIIC IIT Kanpur 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 RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme, 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
RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L – ₹25L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme offer?
Pre-seed startups can receive up to ₹5 lakhs, and seed-stage startups can receive up to ₹25 lakhs, disbursed based on achievement of milestones.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is 20 March 2026.
Which startups are eligible to apply?
Only Indian private limited companies operating in agriculture and allied sectors such as farm technologies, agri-biotech, AI in agriculture, farm mechanization, and related areas are eligible. Pre-seed startups need a proof of concept; seed-stage startups need a functional prototype with market validation.
Is DPIIT or MSME registration required?
The eligibility criteria do not mention DPIIT or MSME registration as a requirement.
Does the scheme take equity?
No, the funding is a grant and does not involve equity. However, startups must be private limited companies.
What documents are typically needed?
Applicants must submit proof of concept (for pre-seed) or functional prototype and pilot studies (for seed), along with incorporation documents and evidence of original technology ownership or license.
How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online via the SIIC IIT Kanpur program portal: https://program.siicincubator.com/programs/apply/adv5415/rkvy-raftaar-scheme.
Can startups from any state apply?
Yes, the scheme is open to startups incorporated and based anywhere in India.
What is the selection process?
The selection process details are not specified in the provided information. Applications are likely evaluated based on the quality of the idea, stage of development, and potential impact.
Is there any stipend or additional support?
Yes, startups that physically attend the one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program receive a stipend of ₹10,000 per month.
Who offers RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme?
RKVY-RAFTAAR Agritech Startup Scheme is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
More funding from SIIC IIT Kanpur
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