MANAGE Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA) – Catalyzing Agripreneurship Across India

The MANAGE Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA) is a prestigious Centre of Excellence operating under the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). Established as part of the Government of India’s flagship RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, the CIA is one of India’s most prominent Agri Incubators, aiming to catalyze agripreneurship and innovation across the country. This centre plays a pivotal role in transforming Indian agriculture by supporting agritech startups that bring cutting-edge solutions in mechanization, digital technology, supply chain management, and sustainable farming practices. As a national hub among Agri Incubators, MANAGE-CIA provides critical infrastructure, mentorship, and funding support for next-generation agripreneurs.

Mission & Vision

• Mission: To build a thriving ecosystem for agri‑based innovation by nurturing sustainable and scalable agribusinesses through incubation, mentorship, and financial support.
• Vision: To become India’s most impactful Agri Incubator, creating entrepreneurial leaders who drive economic growth, rural development, and sustainable agriculture nationwide.

Services Offered

• Student Orientation Programme (SOP): One-month mentoring + hands-on internship; grants up to ₹4 lakhs for students to validate ideas Manage+1Manage+1.
• Agripreneurship Orientation Programme (AOP): One-month mentoring + internship; ₹5 lakhs grant for validated ideas thefarmpure.com.
• Accelerator Program (Pre‑seed & Seed): Two-month cohort under RKVY‑RAFTAAR, plus an accelerator for growth-stage startups with business planning, KPIs, investor showcases thefarmpure.com+6Manage+6Manage+6.
• Pre‑Incubation Mentoring: 22-day course for idea-stage startups including training & post-program handholding Manage+3Manage+3Manage+3.
• Internship & Faculty Programs: Six-month internships for PG/PhD students and 5‑day NFDPs to build incubation capacity with faculty .
• Thematic Workshops & Events: Bootcamps, webinars, hackathons (e.g., Aqua Clinic), stakeholder connect sessions & marketing clubs Manage+9Manage+9IAS Exam Portal+9.

Eligibility & Application

• Eligibility: MANAGE-CIA accepts applications from Indian citizens aged 18 or above with innovative ideas or products in agriculture and allied sectors. Individuals, startups, and legally registered entities are eligible. Pre-incubation programs are suited for idea-stage applicants, while incubation requires a working MVP or prototype. The incubator encourages participation from sectors such as agri-inputs, agri-waste, agri-tech, dairy, fisheries, and food processing.
• Application:Interested candidates can apply online through the official MANAGE-CIA portal during announced intake periods. Applicants must submit identity proof (such as Aadhaar or PAN), startup registration documents, a business proposal or pitch deck, and bank account details. After initial screening, shortlisted candidates are invited for interviews and evaluation before final selection into the incubation program.

Success Story

Success & Impact

• Startups Incubated: 310+
• Agripreneurs Mentored: 503+
  This Agri Incubator has launched successful ventures in farm automation, ICT, agri-logistics, and market link solutions—driving transformation in rural agriculture.

Leadership & Partnerships

• Leadership: The MANAGE-CIA is guided by the Director General of MANAGE, who provides strategic leadership and aligns incubation efforts with national agricultural priorities. The Incubation Program Lead manages daily operations, startup selection, mentoring, and execution of all incubation and acceleration initiatives. Supporting them is a panel of Technical and Financial Advisors offering specialized expertise in agriculture, agribusiness, and financial planning to ensure startups receive well-rounded guidance.
• Partnerships: MANAGE-CIA works closely with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme as its primary funding and policy partner. It partners with PUSA Krishi (IARI) for research and mentoring support. Institutions like ICAR, CSIR, and SAUs assist in technology validation and outreach. NFDB supports aquapreneurship through programs like Aqua Clinics. Support also comes from Startup India, State Startup Missions, and private agri-tech firms and FPOs for market access, pilot testing, and commercialization

Events

• Startup Demo Days: Regular showcases for seed-stage ventures to pitch to VCs and institutions
• Capacity-Building Workshops: Ongoing training sessions for founders and agripreneurs

Contact Us

• Address: MANAGE Campus, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500030
• Email: managecia@manage.gov.in
• Website: www.manage.gov.in