NEST: Startup Training Program (2026)

Results & next round

Applications for this round closed on 15 May 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.

Selections for this programme are announced by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. 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 NEST: Startup Training Program is an initiative by Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR, operating as a Technology Business Incubator in Hyderabad. This program is delivered under the PM-RKVY (RKVY-RAFTAAR) Scheme, a national program by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) within the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The Ministry is focused on agricultural advancement, farmer prosperity, and national food security, supporting agri-entrepreneurship through schemes such as RKVY-RAFTAAR. Nutrihub ICAR-IIMR supports this mission by providing targeted assistance for innovative ventures, particularly those centered around millets, recognizing their potential for sustainable agriculture and nutrition. This program is designed to provide training and support to emerging startups aiming to innovate within the millet sector.

This program offers a non-repayable Grant-in-Aid, with funding available up to ₹5 Lakhs per eligible startup. The financial support is structured to assist startups in scaling and refining their millet-based innovations. Funds can be allocated towards operational expenses, the development of market entry strategies, product refinement based on market feedback, and other activities necessary for the growth and sustainability of the startup within the agri-food ecosystem. This aid helps address financial challenges for early-stage ventures.

In addition to financial aid, the NEST program offers non-monetary benefits. Participants gain access to training modules covering various facets of business development, technical knowledge relevant to millet processing and product innovation, and strategies for achieving market access. Furthermore, the program provides technical and business mentoring from industry experts and entrepreneurs. This support helps startups develop scalable business models, improve technical capabilities related to millet-based products, and enhance market readiness in the agricultural sector.

Benefits & Funding

Amount: Up to ₹5 Lakhs
Fund type: Grant
Equity: Equity-free
Repayment: Non-repayable

What You Get

Up to ₹5 Lakhs non-repayable Grant-in-Aid for operational expenses, market entry, and product refinement. Includes training modules on business development, technical knowledge for millet processing, product innovation, and market access strategies. Also provides technical and business mentoring from industry experts.

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
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
3
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.