CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 – New Horizon in Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology National Incubation Programme (2026-27)
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Quick Answer
SHITIJ 2.0 is a national-level incubation programme by ICAR-CIRCOT, offering intensive incubation, mentorship, and funding connections for innovators and startups in Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 28 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
The CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 National Incubation Programme, spearheaded by ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai, under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research's National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF), represents a significant initiative to foster agricultural innovation across India. Operating through a Hub & Spoke Model, with ICAR-CIRCOT as the central hub and seven other ICAR institutes serving as regional spokes, the program aims to identify, nurture, and accelerate innovative ideas and early-stage startups. It specifically targets solutions in the critical sectors of Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology. These areas are vital for enhancing agricultural productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and improving farmer incomes in India. The programme is designed to provide comprehensive support, transforming promising concepts into market-ready solutions that address real-world agricultural challenges. By leveraging the extensive scientific and technological expertise within the ICAR network, SHITIJ 2.0 seeks to create a robust ecosystem for agritech innovation, contributing to the modernization and sustainability of Indian agriculture.
Innovators and entrepreneurs are guided through a structured pathway that emphasizes technology validation, business model refinement, and strategic market access. The program's distributed 'Hub & Spoke' structure ensures broad regional outreach and tailored support, capitalizing on the unique strengths and research focus areas of each participating ICAR institute. This collaborative approach facilitates localized problem-solving while operating under a unified national vision for agricultural advancement.
Eligibility
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Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
CIRCOT R-ABI is the RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator run by ICAR-CIRCOT, the Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, on its campus at Adenwala Road, Matunga East, Mumbai. The RKVY Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare designated CIRCOT as…
Learn moreIncubation partner
ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), BhopalBhopal · Madhya Pradesh · India
Incubation partner
ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology (NINFET), KolkataWest Bengal · India
Benefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Participants benefit from a two-month intensive incubation programme, designed to refine their innovative ideas and early-stage prototypes into market-ready solutions. This equity-free support includes one-to-one guidance from experienced ICAR scientists and industry experts, ensuring robust technology validation and field testing support. Startups receive comprehensive assistance in business model development, commercialization strategies, and market linkages, along with crucial Intellectual Property (IP), licensing, and regulatory guidance. A significant advantage is the funding connect facilitated with various government grants, private investors, and financial institutions, helping startups secure necessary capital. Additionally, the program provides virtual incubation services for pan-India access, complemented by physical access to incubation facilities and technical infrastructure at the Hub and Spoke institutes, fostering a conducive environment for innovation and growth.
- Duration
- 2 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 is structured to identify the most promising innovations in Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology. Initially, applications are subjected to a preliminary screening by regional experts at the designated Spoke Institutes, ensuring alignment with program objectives and basic eligibility criteria. Subsequently, a centralized Startup Selection Committee, constituted and overseen by the Hub Institute (ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai), will review the screened applications. This committee comprises ICAR scientists, industry experts, and innovation ecosystem leaders who evaluate proposals based on innovation, technical feasibility, market potential, team capability, and potential impact on the agricultural sector. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for a presentation or interview round to further assess their ideas and readiness for incubation. The final selection aims to build a cohort of diverse and high-potential startups ready to benefit from the intensive two-month program.
Application Process
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Apply Online
Submit your application through the official online portal by the stated deadline.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Draft your application
Answer the form inside the grant tracker — AI drafts each response using your past answers, so you're not starting from a blank page.
- 2
See the questions before you start
Download every question this programme's application form asks, so you can prepare your answers offline before opening the portal.
- 3
Line up your documents
Keep every document from the checklist ready in one folder. Missing docs are the #1 reason applications get bounced.
- 4
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 5
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the CIRCOT SHITIJ 2.0 program?
The program primarily focuses on identifying, nurturing, and accelerating innovative ideas and early-stage startups in the domains of Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology to improve efficiency, sustainability, value addition, and income generation in agriculture.
Who is eligible to apply for this incubation program?
Innovators, early-stage startups, entrepreneurs, students, researchers, and MSMEs from across India are eligible. Applicants must have a proof-of-concept, prototype, or Minimum Viable Product (MVP) relevant to Farm Mechanisation or Post-Harvest Technology.
Does this program provide direct financial funding?
While the program itself does not directly disburse cash, it offers significant 'funding connect' services. This includes facilitating introductions to government grants, private investors, and financial institutions to help startups secure external funding.
What kind of support can applicants expect during the incubation period?
Participants will receive two months of intensive incubation, one-to-one mentorship from ICAR scientists and industry experts, technology validation and field testing support, business model development, commercialization guidance, IP and regulatory advice, industry networking, and access to incubation facilities.
Is physical relocation required for participating in the program?
No, physical relocation is not strictly required. The program offers virtual incubation services for startups across India. However, access to incubation facilities and technical infrastructure is available, implying physical presence might be an option for certain activities like lab work or field testing.
What are the key application stages and timeline?
Applications must be submitted online by July 28, 2026. Following an initial screening, shortlisted candidates will proceed to a selection committee meeting in early August, with final results announced by August 20, 2026. The two-month training is scheduled from September 1 to October 31, 2026.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
