RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur

The RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, aims to drive innovation in agriculture and related sectors. Under this program, the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) at IIT Kanpur, operating as a Knowledge Partner, invites applications from student agripreneurs.

This specific cohort will provide financial support of up to ₹4 lakh to each of four selected startups, disbursed based on achieving predefined milestones in line with RKVY-RAFTAAR guidelines. Beyond the financial assistance, participants will receive comprehensive incubation services at IIT Kanpur. This includes access to SIIC's facilities, expert mentorship, and technical validation from specialists in relevant fields. Additionally, students who attend the one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program in person are eligible for a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 during that period.

The program is structured to advance agritech concepts from the initial idea stage to the pre-seed phase. The evaluation prioritizes the relevance of the problem being addressed, the innovation potential of the solution, and the dedication of the founding team, rather than requiring existing market traction. Eligible sectors encompass a broad spectrum of agriculture, including farm technologies, agri-biotechnology, post-harvest management, AI and data solutions for agriculture, converting agri-waste into valuable products, farm mechanization, and enhancing agri supply chains and market connections.

A key feature of the program is its robust market access support. Selected startups will receive assistance with piloting and scaling their solutions through strategic connections with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), urban local bodies, various industries, and farming communities. The initiative also facilitates opportunities for securing follow-on funding by arranging investor connections and pitch sessions, helping teams raise further capital after the initial grant phase.

SIIC IIT Kanpur has a proven history of nurturing deep-tech and agritech ventures. Participation in this program offers student founders direct access to IIT Kanpur's extensive research infrastructure, its network of faculty, and the broader RKVY-RAFTAAR government ecosystem, providing a significant launchpad for those aspiring to build innovative solutions in the agritech domain.

• Grant funding of up to ₹4 lakh for agritech startups.
• Incubation support from SIIC IIT Kanpur.
• Open to student agripreneurs with early-stage ideas.
• Focus on agriculture and allied sectors.
• Opportunity for ₹10,000 monthly stipend for physical orientation.
• Application deadline: 25 May 2026.

This program is open to student agripreneurs, either individuals or teams, who are affiliated with a recognized academic institution.

Applicants' ideas should be at an early stage, ranging from the initial concept to pre-seed. While a basic Proof of Concept (PoC) or some form of validation is advantageous, it is not a mandatory requirement for application.

The proposed solution must fall within one or more of the designated eligible sectors. These include:

• Agriculture and farm technologies
• Agri-biotechnology
• Post-harvest management and value addition
• AI and data-driven solutions in agriculture
• Agri-waste to wealth
• Farm mechanization
• Agri supply chain and market linkages
• Other innovations aligned with the agriculture and allied sectors.

Crucially, the solution must demonstrate innovation and originality. Applicants must either own or possess clear rights to develop and commercialize their idea. At least one team member is required to be actively engaged in the development of the idea.

Company incorporation is not mandatory at the time of application. However, selected startups may be required to establish a legal entity, preferably a private limited company, at a later stage of the program. Registered entities, such as existing companies, DPIIT-recognized startups, or MSMEs, are also welcome to apply, indicating that eligibility is not restricted solely to individuals or unincorporated teams. All applicants must adhere to the RKVY-RAFTAAR program guidelines and SIIC IIT Kanpur's incubation policies.

RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur closed on 25 May 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups will receive a non-dilutive grant of up to ₹4 lakh. This funding is provided on a milestone-based system, supporting the development of ideas from concept to the pre-seed stage.

Students who choose to participate physically in the one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program are eligible for an additional stipend of ₹10,000 per month during their attendance.

Beyond the initial grant, the program actively facilitates access to follow-on funding. This is achieved through structured investor connect events and dedicated pitch sessions held after the incubation period, helping teams secure further capital for growth.

RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur 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.

The selection process involves a thorough evaluation of shortlisted applicants by two key bodies: the RKVY Incubation Committee and the Selection and Investment Committee. The primary criteria for selection emphasize the strength and originality of the idea, its relevance to existing agricultural challenges, the potential for innovation, and the demonstrable commitment of the founding team. The committees prioritize these aspects over any existing market traction or revenue generation.

Before you apply to RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur, 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.

RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹4L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.