Agriculture & Allied Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — November 2026

As of November 2026, the Agriculture & Allied sector in India benefits from 10 active funding programs, encompassing grants, seed support, incubation, and innovation challenges. These initiatives are designed to foster growth across various stages of startup development.

The funding landscape for Agriculture & Allied startups in India is characterized by a blend of government-backed schemes, institutional incubation programs, and sector-specific competitions. These avenues aim to support advancements in technology, sustainability, and rural economic empowerment.

Active Agriculture & Allied Grants and Programs

Aarohan 7.0 Seed Support Program (TIH IIT Bombay)

The Aarohan 7.0 – TIH IIT Bombay Seed Support Program, run by TIH IIT Bombay, supports high-potential startups developing advanced IoT-enabled intelligent machines and systems. This program focuses on ventures that have validated their innovations and are ready for deployment and commercialization. TIH IIT Bombay, supported by DST, Government of India, aims to build an ecosystem for deep tech and hardware innovation.

Selected startups can receive financial backing of up to ₹1 crore. The application deadline for Aarohan 7.0 is 22 November 2026. The program seeks to bridge the gap between innovation and market entry for IoT-focused agricultural solutions.

LAUNCHPAD Incubation Cohort 2.0 (IIT Indore)

IITI DRISHTI CPS FOUNDATION, IIT Indore, and MPSeDC collaborate on the IIT Indore LAUNCHPAD Incubation Cohort 2.0. This incubation program targets promising technology-driven startups, providing support from prototype development and technology validation to commercialization. Participants gain access to IIT Indore's research environment, infrastructure, and expert networks.

While the program's primary focus is broad technology innovation, Agri-tech startups leveraging advanced technologies are suitable applicants. Funding amounts vary based on project needs. Applications for this cohort close on 10 November 2026.

Liveability & Sustainability Innovations Grant Call (Temasek Foundation)

Temasek Foundation, a Singapore-based philanthropy, offers the open Temasek Foundation Liveability Grant. This grant call funds applied and translational research, alongside the commercialization of innovative solutions addressing liveability and sustainability issues in Singapore, particularly in urban settings. Indian startups can apply if their solutions benefit Singapore or are usable there.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Project durations can extend up to three years, with funding released in phases upon completion of milestones. The lead principal investigator is ideally based in Singapore. Sustainability-focused Agri-tech projects that align with urban challenges are relevant.

Innovation Accelerator (WFP Innovation Accelerator)

The WFP Innovation Accelerator, an arm of the UN World Food Programme, seeks, funds, and scales innovations designed to combat hunger, enhance humanitarian response, and build resilient food systems. This program maintains a rolling application pool, open throughout the year.

Selected teams are invited to a six-month sprint program, potentially receiving up to US$100,000 (approximately ₹95 lakh) in equity-free funding. Startups, NGOs, academic institutions, and government agencies globally, including India, are eligible to apply, making it a direct opportunity for Agri & Allied innovators.

Requests for Funding (Founders Pledge)

Founders Pledge Requests for Funding is an open invitation from Founders Pledge, a grantmaker focused on evidence-based impact. It invites expressions of interest from organizations with established programs in low- and middle-income countries, specifically in education, and job, entrepreneurship, or agriculture training.

This opportunity is intended for mature programs with demonstrated impact, not for early-stage startups seeking seed funding. There is no published deadline or stated grant size; funding amounts vary based on program scope and impact. Agri-focused training and entrepreneurship initiatives are directly relevant.

CRM Startup Innovation Challenge 2026-27 (CII Foundation)

The CRM Startup Innovation Challenge 2026-27, presented by the CII Foundation in collaboration with Cadence Design Systems, addresses crop residue burning. The program seeks innovative startups offering market-ready or near-market-ready solutions for crop residue management (CRM).

The selected startup will receive up to ₹10 lakh in financial assistance, alongside mentorship and field facilitation, to scale their solution. The application deadline is 15 November 2026. This challenge aims to reduce stubble burning and promote a sustainable agricultural economy.

Telangana Innovation Startup Challenge 2026 (Government of Telangana)

The Government of Telangana's TISC Telangana Innovation Startup Challenge 2026 invites startups, innovators, researchers, and student teams to co-create solutions for public service challenges in Telangana. This platform facilitates solution development and validation in real-world environments, offering access to government stakeholders and domain experts.

While broad in scope, Agri-tech solutions addressing public service needs, such as farmer advisory systems or agricultural supply chain improvements, are relevant. Funding amounts vary, and applications close on 20 November 2026.

Global Business Plan Competition 2027 (Singapore Management University)

The 13th Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition 2027 (LKYGBPC), hosted by Singapore Management University, is a deep-tech startup pitch competition. It targets student and recent-graduate founders working on urban and sustainability problems, offering a prize pool exceeding S$2.5 million (approximately ₹17.5 crore).

Agri-tech innovations focused on sustainability, food systems, or urban agriculture can align with the competition's themes. Fifty finalists receive travel support to Singapore. The application period closes on 31 March 2027.

AI For Livelihoods Hackathon 2026 (IIMA Ventures)

IIMA Ventures, with support from the Gates Foundation, presents the AI For Livelihoods Hackathon 2026. This hackathon, part of the AI Accelerator for Women's Economic Empowerment program, connects technology innovators with challenge makers like SEWA Bharat and PRADAN to co-create practical AI solutions for women entrepreneurs.

The challenges include AI tools for business operations, enterprise productivity (farm and non-farm), market access, and financial access, designed for vernacular languages and low digital literacy. Up to ₹5 lakh is available. The application deadline is 19 November 2026, making this a direct fit for Agri & Allied innovation supporting rural women.

Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize (Curt Bergfors Foundation)

The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize, administered by the Curt Bergfors Foundation, is a global environmental award for projects within the food system. The 2026 prize awarded US$1.5 million (approximately ₹14.25 crore) to the winner and US$150,000 (approximately ₹1.43 crore) to each finalist.

Nominations, including self-nominations, are accepted year-round. This prize targets impactful projects addressing food system challenges, making it highly relevant for established Agri & Allied innovations with significant environmental contributions.

Before Applying

Applicants should note specific eligibility criteria. The Temasek Foundation Liveability Grant ideally requires the lead principal investigator to be based in Singapore, although Indian startups can apply if their solution benefits Singapore. Founders Pledge primarily seeks established programs with demonstrated impact in agriculture training, not early-stage startups. Furthermore, the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition is designed for student and recent-graduate founders.

Several programs have imminent deadlines in November 2026, including the IIT Indore LAUNCHPAD (10 Nov), CII CRM Challenge (15 Nov), IIMA Ventures AI Hackathon (19 Nov), TIH IIT Bombay Aarohan 7.0 (22 Nov), and TISC Telangana Challenge (20 Nov). Conversely, the WFP Innovation Accelerator, Temasek Foundation, Founders Pledge, and Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize operate on a rolling application basis, allowing submissions throughout the year.