SHITIJ 2.0 – Free 2-Month Virtual Agritech Incubation by ICAR-CIRCOT

SHITIJ 2.0 is a national-level virtual incubation initiative run by ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai, in collaboration with seven other ICAR institutes across the country. It operates under the Intellectual Property & Technology Management Unit (IP&TM) of the National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF) by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The program is designed to empower innovators, startups, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs who are developing solutions in farm mechanisation and post-harvest technology.

The agricultural sector in India faces significant productivity and income challenges due to inefficient farm operations and high post-harvest losses. Farm mechanisation innovations can reduce labour costs, boost efficiency, and improve yields, while better post-harvest technology can cut food waste, add value, and improve market access for farmers. SHITIJ 2.0 aims to nurture promising ideas into market-ready solutions that address these critical issues.

The program uses a Hub & Spoke Model, with ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai serving as the central hub and seven other prominent ICAR institutes acting as spokes. This networked approach ensures that participants receive guidance tailored to regional agricultural contexts and technological needs. The overarching goal is to identify, nurture, and accelerate early-stage innovations that enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, add value, and generate income in agriculture.

• Free 2-month virtual incubation program
• Focus on Farm Mechanisation & Post-Harvest Technology
• Mentorship from ICAR scientists & industry experts
• IP & regulatory guidance provided
• Linkages to government funding & investors
• Open to ideas, PoC, Prototype, MVP

The program is open to innovators, startups, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs from anywhere in India. You must be working on solutions in Farm Mechanisation or Post-Harvest Technology. Your innovation can be at any stage from an idea to a Proof of Concept (PoC), Prototype, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP). There is no requirement for prior incubation or funding.

SHITIJ 2.0 – Free 2-Month Virtual Agritech Incubation by ICAR-CIRCOT is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for SHITIJ 2.0 – Free 2-Month Virtual Agritech Incubation by ICAR-CIRCOT closed on 28 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Participants receive a comprehensive package of support designed to accelerate their agricultural innovation:

• Two months of intensive virtual incubation and expert mentoring – tailored guidance on your startup journey.
• Mentorship from ICAR scientists and seasoned industry experts – deep domain knowledge and practical experience.
• Technology validation and field testing support – using ICAR's research facilities and expertise to refine your solution.
• Business model and commercialisation support – help in crafting strategies for market entry and growth.
• Intellectual Property (IP), licensing, and regulatory guidance – navigate the complex agritech landscape.
• Linkages with government funding schemes, private investors, and financial institutions – opening doors to potential capital.
• Industry networking and market access opportunities – connect with key stakeholders and potential customers.
• Access to incubation facilities and technical support across the ICAR Hub & Spoke network.
• Continued support even after the two-month program ends.

Note: SHITIJ 2.0 is a free incubation program and does not provide direct cash grants, but it helps participants secure funding through its linkages.

SHITIJ 2.0 – Free 2-Month Virtual Agritech Incubation by ICAR-CIRCOT is offered by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, 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.

Applications are assessed through a rigorous, multi-stage process.

First, all submitted applications undergo an initial screening based on eligibility, innovation potential, and alignment with the focus areas of Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology. This review is done by a panel of experts from ICAR-CIRCOT and partner institutions, who evaluate technical feasibility, market potential, and innovativeness.

Shortlisted applicants may then be invited for a virtual presentation or interview. During this round, you present your idea, PoC, prototype, or MVP to a selection committee comprising ICAR scientists, industry experts, and incubator representatives. The committee assesses your team's capabilities, clarity of vision, and commercialisation potential.

Final selections are based on a comprehensive evaluation of all application materials and interview performance, ensuring the chosen cohort is diverse and high-potential.

Before you apply to SHITIJ 2.0 – Free 2-Month Virtual Agritech Incubation by ICAR-CIRCOT, 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.