Food & Beverage Startup Grants and Funding Programs in India — October 2026

Food & Beverage startups in India currently have access to 10 active funding opportunities spanning grants, seed funds, incubation programs, and competitions. These initiatives aim to support innovation across the sector, from farm-to-fork solutions to sustainable practices.The Indian Food & Beverage funding landscape features support from government-backed institutions like NABARD, academic incubators, and corporate foundations. Programs address areas such as agri-tech, climate solutions, waste management, and deep-tech applications within the food value chain.

Active Food & Beverage Grants and Programs

PI-RAHI SPARKS 2.0 Grant (PI-RAHI)PI-RAHI (PU-IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation) spearheads the PI-RAHI SPARKS 2.0 Grant, a flagship initiative. PI-RAHI functions as the Northern Region S&T Cluster, a Section 8 company established under the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India. It is hosted jointly by Panjab University and IIT Ropar.The program supports research-driven and deep-tech startups, providing resources and guidance to move concepts to market. Startups focusing on advanced food science, processing technologies, or biotechnology applications within the F&B sector may find this program relevant. Applications are open until 23 November 2026, with funding up to ₹10,00,000 available.## SRIF Incubation Program SGBAU 2026 (SGBAU)The SRIF Incubation Program SGBAU 2026, from the SGBAU Research and Incubation Foundation at Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, fosters innovation. Supported by the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, this program offers an ecosystem for early and growth-stage innovative companies.It transforms ideas and prototypes into successful ventures by providing resources, expert guidance, and network access. The program supports startups across various sectors, including Food & Beverage, ensuring tailored assistance for scaling businesses. The application deadline is 30 October 2026.## INNOSTARS 3.0 Acceleration Program (IISER Mohali)i-RISE TBI IISER Mohali (Technology Business Incubator, IISER Mohali) collaborated with AngelBlue to create the INNOSTARS 3.0 Acceleration Program. This 2-month program empowers early-stage deep tech startups.The mission of INNOSTARS is to nurture promising ventures with funding, strategic consulting, expert mentorship, and networking. Deep tech solutions leveraging advanced technologies in AI, biotech, sustainable energy, and green mobility are targeted. Food & Beverage startups integrating AI for supply chain optimization, biotech for novel food products, or sustainable energy for processing may apply by 25 October 2026.## NABVENTURES AgriSURE Direct Scheme (NABARD)The NABVENTURES AgriSURE Direct Scheme is an equity investment fund under the 'Agri Fund for Start Ups & Rural Enterprises'. This fund emerged from the 2022-23 Budget speech and is facilitated through NABARD to finance startups in agriculture and rural enterprises, especially those in the farm produce value chain.Managed by NABVENTURES Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NABARD, AgriSURE targets innovative, technology-driven, early-stage startups within India's agriculture and rural development ecosystem. With a corpus of ₹300 crore, this scheme offers funding up to ₹25,00,00,000. F&B startups focused on agricultural value addition or rural enterprise development are highly relevant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.## 1st Call for Validation of Field-Ready Climate Solutions (C-CAMP)The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), with Ashraya Hastha Trust (AHT) support, has launched the 1st Call for Validation of Field-Ready Climate Solutions. It seeks Indian startups with deployment-ready solutions where climate change intersects with biology, across health, agriculture, and environment.C-CAMP runs this call through its Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Sustainability & Climate Action. It supports climate solutions requiring on-field validation through joint pilot projects. Up to ₹50,00,000 is available for these projects. F&B startups with sustainable food production methods, waste reduction technologies, or eco-friendly packaging can apply by 27 October 2026.## IEF KrishiGram 2.0 Competition (CCS NIAM)The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Federation (IEF) of Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (CCS NIAM) presents IEF KrishiGram 2.0 Competition. This