UDAY - Pre-seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI

The UDAY (Agripreneurship Orientation Programme) is a pre-seed stage grant-in-aid offered by the ICAR-CIRCOT RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator (R-ABI). The program aims to help agri-startups transform their innovative ideas or Proof of Concept into tangible prototypes. It is specifically tailored for entrepreneurs based in Maharashtra and Goa who are working in agriculture and allied sectors. By providing early-stage funding and structured mentoring, UDAY supports founders at the critical stage of moving from concept to prototype.

• Grant of up to ₹5L with no equity dilution.
• Open to agri-startups from Maharashtra & Goa only.
• Specifically for pre-seed stage – from Proof of Concept to prototype.
• Includes a 15-day incubation workshop and mentoring.
• Application deadline: January 31, 2026.
• Offered by ICAR-CIRCOT RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator.

This program is open to agri-startups at the pre-seed stage. Applicants must be working in agriculture and allied sectors and must be entrepreneurs from Maharashtra & Goa. The startup should be at the stage of having a Proof of Concept that needs to be developed into a physical prototype.

UDAY - Pre-seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.

The most recent application window for UDAY - Pre-seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI closed on 31 Jan 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.

Selected startups receive a grant of up to ₹5 lakh as a single instalment for pre-seed stage startups. Additionally, participants gain access to a 15-day incubation workshop, mentorship, and networking opportunities through the R-ABI ecosystem.

UDAY - Pre-seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI 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.

The selection involves multiple stages:

• Pre-screening: Applicants are first screened by Knowledge Partners (KPs) or RABIs for initial training suitability.
• RIC Round I: Startups are selected for pre-seed funding after one month of training.
• Incubation Workshop: Selected participants attend a 15-day incubation workshop.
• SIC (Startup Incubation Committee): The SIC makes the final fund recommendation and sets milestones.
• Review: Regular RIC (Resident Incubation Committee) meetings are held to address startup issues and monitor progress.
• Release of Funds: For pre-seed stage startups, the grant is released as a single instalment.

Before you apply to UDAY - Pre-seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI, 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.

UDAY - Pre-seed Stage Program at ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹5L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.