KRISHIK Agri-Business Incubator – Nurturing Innovation in Agriculture
Location: University of Agricultural Sciences, Krishi Nagar, Dharwad – 580005, Karnataka, India
KRISHIK Agri-Business Incubator (KABI), established in 2018 at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, is one of India’s leading agri incubators under the RKVY-RAFTAAR initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Created to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and rural employment, KABI offers a supportive ecosystem for agri-tech startups, student innovators, grassroots entrepreneurs, and rural enterprises.This agri incubator bridges the gap between academic research, agribusiness practices, and real-world innovation through structured incubation, funding support, technical mentoring, and market linkages. Startups in domains such as precision farming, organic agriculture, post-harvest technology, agri-mechanization, climate-resilient practices, and food processing are actively nurtured. The incubator also provides co-working space, lab access, legal/IP guidance, and exposure to investors and industry experts.As one of the most recognized agri incubators in the country, KRISHIK operates through a growing network of partners including government agencies, financial institutions, academic bodies, and farmer producer organizations (FPOs). It has empowered over 100 startups and positively impacted thousands of farmers by converting early-stage ideas into scalable, sustainable agri-solutions that address real challenges in India’s rural economy.
Mission & Vision
- Mission:To promote innovation-driven agribusiness startups through incubation, technical mentorship, funding support, and market linkages, thereby transforming agriculture into a sustainable and profitable enterprise.
- Vision:To be a national leader in agricultural entrepreneurship by nurturing scalable and impactful agri-startups that benefit farmers, rural communities, and the environment.
Services Offered
- Student Orientation Programme (SOP): Provides up to ₹4 lakhs to students for early-stage agri-innovations and prototype development.
- Agripreneurship Orientation Programme (AOP – “Anveshan”): Offers ₹5 lakhs and a ₹10,000/month stipend during a 2-month training for idea-stage agri-entrepreneurs.
- Startup Agri-Business Incubation Programme (SAIP – “Avishkar”): Supports MVP-stage startups with scale-up funding up to ₹25 lakhs, covering 85% of project cost.
- Additional Support Services: Startups get co-working space, lab access, expert mentorship, legal/IP help, investor links, and demo day exposure.
Eligibility & Application
- Eligibility Criteria: The incubator is open to Indian citizens and legally registered startups with agri-based innovations. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and should either have a validated idea (for AOP) or a functional MVP (for SAIP).
- Application Process: Interested candidates can apply online through the official website (krishik-abiuasd.org) during active application windows, usually twice a year. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview and evaluation.
Leadership & Partnerships
- Leadership: KRISHIK is led by Dr. M. B. Chetti, Vice-Chancellor of UAS Dharwad, and Dr. S. P. Chandrashekar, Coordinator. A skilled team manages grants, incubation, and startup support.
- Partnerships: Backed by the Ministry of Agriculture, KRISHIK partners with ICAR, KVKs, MANAGE, Startup India, NABARD, SIDBI, and private agri firms for funding, outreach, and innovation growth. This collaborative model places it among the most impactful agri incubators in India.
Events & Outreach
- Agri Innovation Bootcamps: Regular bootcamps are organized to engage students and early-stage innovators in rural and urban areas, helping them convert ideas into workable prototypes.
- Startup Saturdays: These monthly sessions offer mentorship, founder talks, and networking opportunities to incubated startups and external participants in the agri-entrepreneurship space.
- Hackathons and AgriHack Events: KRISHIK conducts thematic hackathons focusing on issues like climate-smart farming, post-harvest management, and supply chain innovation, encouraging tech-based agri-solutions.
- Demo Days and Investor Connect: Startups present their solutions to potential investors, buyers, and ecosystem enablers during demo days, enabling them to raise funding or establish market linkages.
- Faculty Development & Awareness Programs: The incubator also engages with academic institutions through FDPs, webinars, and rural outreach camps to build awareness around agri-entrepreneurship and innovation.
Contact Information
- Address: KRISHIK Agri‑Business IncubatorUniversity of Agricultural Sciences, Krishi Nagar, Dharwad 580 005, Karnataka, India
- Email: rabi@uasd.in
- Website: www.krishik‑abiuasd.org
- Social Media Profiles: LinkedIn – KRISHIK Agri‑Business Incubator, Instagram – @krishikabi.uasd
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