SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access
ICAR CRRI's SHITIJ 2.0 offers free incubation, mentoring, lab access, and market support for agri-startups across India.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- ICAR Central Rice Research Institute (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (31 Jul 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
SHITIJ 2.0 is a flagship incubation program under the National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF), led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its Intellectual Property & Technology Management (IP&TM) Unit. It connects a network of 50 incubation centres nationwide to support early-stage agripreneurs, startups, and innovators in agriculture and allied sectors.
The program aims to accelerate innovation and commercialisation of agri-solutions. Participants receive structured incubation, technology validation, and expert guidance to move from idea to market. They also gain access to ICAR's advanced labs and infrastructure, business development support, and market linkages to align with real user needs.
A mandatory two-month structured training, prescribed by ICAR-IPTM, is part of the journey. The entire application and participation process is free of cost, removing financial barriers for promising agripreneurs.
Highlights
- Free incubation support for agri-startups across India
- Access to ICAR's labs and infrastructure for R&D and validation
- One-on-one mentoring from scientists and industry experts
- Market linkages and business development support
- IP facilitation and regulatory advisory included
- Mandatory two-month structured training as part of the program
Who can apply
Open to Indian citizens who are founders of startups, entrepreneurs, innovators, students, researchers, or agripreneurs. Applicants must have an innovation, idea, product, or solution relevant to agriculture and allied sectors. Agri-startups must have a prototype or minimum viable product (MVP). Cross-institutional and interdisciplinary teams are encouraged to apply. Third-party involvement in the application is not encouraged.
SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access 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 SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access closed on 31 Jul 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
SHITIJ 2.0 offers extensive non-financial benefits. Selected participants receive comprehensive incubation support under the ABIC framework to refine business models and value propositions. They get scientific and technical mentoring from subject matter experts, scientists, and industry professionals, including one-on-one guidance.
Access to ICAR's world-class infrastructure and lab facilities supports field trials and technology validation. The program also provides business development support and fosters market linkages to ensure product-market fit. Participants benefit from institutional networks and the innovation ecosystem, plus IP facilitation and advisory on technology licensing. A mandatory two-month structured training, prescribed by ICAR-IPTM, equips entrepreneurs with essential skills. Additional support includes regulatory/advisory services and promotional/branding assistance.
About the provider
SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access is offered by ICAR Central Rice Research Institute, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by ICAR Central Rice Research Institute as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
Applications are reviewed by a dedicated selection committee comprising experts from ICAR and affiliated institutions. They evaluate innovativeness, feasibility, market potential, and relevance to agriculture. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for further interactions, presentations, or interviews before final selection.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access, 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is SHITIJ 2.0?
SHITIJ 2.0 is a flagship incubation program by ICAR under the National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF), managed by the IP&TM Unit. It supports agri-startups and entrepreneurs with incubation, mentoring, and access to ICAR's ecosystem.
Who can apply for SHITIJ 2.0?
Indian citizens who are founders, entrepreneurs, innovators, students, researchers, or agripreneurs can apply, provided they have an innovation or solution relevant to agriculture. Agri-startups must have a prototype or MVP.
What kind of innovations are considered?
Innovations relevant to agriculture and allied sectors, such as plant health, precision agriculture, animal health, food processing, waste to wealth, farm mechanisation, and post-harvest technology.
What benefits do selected participants receive?
They receive incubation support, mentoring, access to ICAR labs and infrastructure, business development help, market linkages, IP facilitation, regulatory advisory, and a two-month structured training.
Is there any cash grant provided?
The program does not mention direct cash grants. It offers non-financial support like infrastructure access and mentorship, which carry significant value.
What is the application deadline?
The last date to apply is 31 July 2026, 11:59:59 PM IST.
Is there any fee to apply or participate?
No, the entire process is free of cost.
How do I apply?
You must fill the online application form at the provided apply URL and submit details about your innovation along with a presentation.
Does the program take equity?
No, SHITIJ 2.0 is a grant-based program; it does not take equity.
What documents are needed for application?
The program requires detailed information about your innovation and a presentation, as per the application form.
Is DPIIT recognition required for SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access?
SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access is offered by ICAR Central Rice Research Institute, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
Alternatives to SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access
Not sure SHITIJ 2.0 – Agri Incubation by ICAR with Mentoring & Lab Access is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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