NUZEN Agri-Startup Grant for Student Innovators – NaaViC (ICAR-NIVEDI)
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Quick Answer
Up to ₹4L grant-in-aid for student entrepreneurs building agri-startups from idea to prototype , NaaViC, ICAR-NIVEDI.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹4 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- NaaViC, ICAR-NIVEDI
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 30 June 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by NaaViC, ICAR-NIVEDI. 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 NUZEN Programme is a grant-in-aid initiative by NaaViC, the startup and innovation support arm of ICAR-NIVEDI (National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics), a premier research institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The programme is designed specifically for aspiring student entrepreneurs with innovative ideas in agriculture and allied sectors, providing financial and mentorship support to take concepts from the idea stage to a working prototype.
Selected participants receive a grant-in-aid of up to ₹4 lakh to fund prototype development and early-stage validation. The programme reflects ICAR-NIVEDI's mandate to translate veterinary and agricultural research into real-world entrepreneurial applications , making it a strong fit for students working on innovations in animal health, veterinary diagnostics, agritech, and allied agricultural domains, though the programme is open to broader agri-innovation ideas.
NaaViC provides participants with entrepreneurial support throughout the programme , mentorship, access to ICAR-NIVEDI's research infrastructure, and guidance from scientists and domain experts embedded in India's agricultural research ecosystem. This institutional backing from a central government research body gives student grantees both credibility and access to technical knowledge that is difficult to obtain at an early stage outside academic or government institutions.
For student founders with agri-innovation ideas who are at the ideation or early prototype stage, NUZEN offers a rare combination of non-dilutive grant funding and direct access to ICAR's scientific network , particularly valuable for innovations that require domain-specific validation or technical guidance rooted in agricultural science.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Grant providers
NaaViC is the agri-business incubation centre of ICAR-NIVEDI, the National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics, in Bengaluru. It was set up on the institute's Yelahanka campus on 31 January 2019 and backs founders across agriculture and allied sectors,…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹4 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
Selected student entrepreneurs receive a grant-in-aid of up to ₹4 lakh for prototype development and early-stage validation. The grant is non-dilutive. Participants also receive mentorship and entrepreneurial support from NaaViC and access to ICAR-NIVEDI's research and scientific ecosystem.
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications submitted via Google Form are reviewed by the NaaViC (ICAR-NIVEDI) team for innovation quality, agri-sector relevance, and current development stage. Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further evaluation. Selected innovators receive grant support to develop their agri-startup idea toward a viable prototype or product.
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
Who can apply for the NUZEN programme?
Aspiring student entrepreneurs from recognised academic institutions with innovative ideas in agriculture and allied sectors at the idea to prototype stage.
How much funding is available?
Up to ₹4 lakh as a grant-in-aid per selected participant. The grant is non-dilutive — no equity is taken.
What sectors or domains are eligible?
Agriculture and allied sectors broadly. Given ICAR-NIVEDI's focus on veterinary epidemiology and disease informatics, innovations in animal health, veterinary diagnostics, and agritech are particularly encouraged.
What support is provided beyond the grant?
Mentorship, entrepreneurial support from NaaViC, and access to ICAR-NIVEDI's scientific expertise and research infrastructure.
Where can I get more information?
Visit naavic.org or nivedi.com, or call 080-23093166 for queries about the programme.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
