
DST NIDHI-TBI: BESST-HORT
Standing programmes at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, separate from the funding calls above.
The Agri-Business Incubation Centre at ICAR-IIHR commercializes institute technologies, nurtures horticulture technology-based ventures and startups, and provides horti-business consultancy through incubation.
Established in May 2013, the centre operates under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and was created through the National Agriculture Innovation Fund (NAIF). It offers technology commercialization and incubation through 'On-site incubation' and 'Off-site incubation' models, as well as specialized incubation like 'Mushroom Incubation'. Services include business mentoring, patent search and filing, assistance in writing bankable proposals, market introductions, and regulatory guidance. Focus areas include various crop cultivars, crop nutrition and protection technologies, post-harvest technologies, farm implements, mushroom production, and biotechnology. Membership categories for incubatees range from start-up individuals (Rs. 2,000/annum) to multinational companies (Rs. 50,000/annum), with a refundable caution deposit. On-site incubation can last up to one year, with rental charges of Rs. 15,000/month (including lab, equipment, scientific service, and production rentals) and a 5% commission on sales through ICAR-IIHR ATIC. Mushroom incubatees must be trainees of ICAR-IIHR on Mushroom Production, pay Rs. 5,000/annum membership, and a Rs. 10,000 caution deposit; rental fees vary based on services chosen (sterilization/inoculation only or with incubation space).
ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research runs a virtual track, so you can join without relocating.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| On - site IncubationInitially for a period of 6 months, extendable up to a maximum of one year. | Resident incubation | — | technology up-scaling facilities inclusive of infrastructure, space and other technical inputs, Business Development Services: Navigating regulatory Requirements, Standards and Compliance, Product / Process / Human Resources development & Management, Facilitate Marketing Assistance: Promotion through trade fairs, exhibition and Industry meets, Permission to sell produce through the marketing network of the research institution |
| Off – Site IncubationClient is not operating from the institute's premises. | Virtual incubation | — | services similar to those of on-site incubation (except marketing through institute’s sales counters), TTO’s officers and scientist innovators visit client’s site for advice and direction |
| Mushroom IncubationIncubatee can choose between sterilization & inoculation only (bags taken back daily) or sterilization, inoculation and keeping bags for 25 days incubation in the existing facility. Initially for a period of 6 months, extendable up to maximum one year. | Resident incubation | — | sterilization & inoculation, space for keeping bags for 25 days incubation |
Equipment and space on campus.
Agri-Business Incubation Centre
Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility (SAIF)
Access via ICAR-IIHR
NABL Accredited Food Testing Lab
Access via ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
Gamma Chamber Facility
Access via ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
Seed Testing Laboratory
Access via ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Official approvals this incubator holds.
ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research is an institution in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with an incubation and innovation programme in Agritech, Horticulture, Food Technology. ICAR-IIHR is India's premier horticulture research institute, offering incubation for agri and food tech startups focused on fruits, vegetables, and horticultural crops.
Open to students, faculty, and alumni. External startups in domain-aligned sectors may also apply.
Early-stage founders at ideation or prototype stage seeking academic mentorship, specialized lab access, and government seed funding support.
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