RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur — Frequently Asked Questions

This program is an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, executed through SIIC IIT Kanpur, to support student agripreneurs with innovative ideas in agriculture and allied sectors. It provides grant funding, incubation, and mentorship to help early-stage agritech startups grow.

Selected startups can receive a grant of up to ₹4 lakh. This funding is disbursed in stages, based on the achievement of specific milestones. Additionally, students who physically attend the one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program are eligible for a stipend of ₹10,000 per month during that period.

No, the funding provided is a non-dilutive grant, meaning the program does not take any equity stake in the participating startups.

The application deadline for the RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur is 25 May 2026.

The program is open to student agripreneurs, either as individuals or teams, currently associated with a recognized academic institution. Ideas should be at an early stage (idea to pre-seed), and registered entities like companies, DPIIT startups, or MSMEs are also eligible. The proposed solution must be innovative and fall within specified agricultural sectors.

Yes, the program targets ideas from the idea stage to pre-seed. Eligible sectors include farm technologies, agri-biotechnology, post-harvest management, AI/data-driven agri solutions, agri-waste to wealth, farm mechanization, and agri supply chain and market linkages.

No, company incorporation is not mandatory at the application stage. However, selected startups might be required to form a legal entity, preferably a private limited company, later in the program.

Applicants need to submit a detailed problem statement, their proposed solution, any existing basic validation or Proof of Concept (if available), team background information, a business plan, and the expected impact of their innovation.

Applications must be submitted online via the SIIC program portal. The specific application link is provided in the program details.

Beyond the grant, SIIC IIT Kanpur offers structured incubation, access to its facilities and research infrastructure, tailored mentorship, technical validation from domain experts, market access support through connections with FPOs and KVKs, and facilitation of follow-on funding through investor connects.

No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.

RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs – SIIC IIT Kanpur is offered by SIIC IIT Kanpur, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.

Apply directly through the official application link on this page. Review the eligibility criteria and prepare your startup documents before you begin.