StartupGrants India
ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
Incubator

ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

DST NIDHI-TBI: BESST-HORT

Programmes they run

Standing programmes at ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, separate from the funding calls above.

Agri-Business Incubation Centre

Incubation

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).

Programme page

Incubation tracks

ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research runs a virtual track, so you can join without relocating.

TrackTypeSpaceIncludes
On - site IncubationInitially for a period of 6 months, extendable up to a maximum of one year.Resident incubationtechnology 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 incubationservices 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 incubationsterilization & inoculation, space for keeping bags for 25 days incubation

Labs & facilities

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

Support services

Help offered alongside funding and space.

Business advisoryIP & patentsMarket accessRegulatory support

Recognitions & empanelments

Official approvals this incubator holds.

National Agriculture Innovation Fund (NAIF)· 2013

About ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research

ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research

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.

What Startups Receive

  • Mentorship from faculty, researchers, and domain experts
  • Access to research labs and specialized infrastructure
  • Co-working space and prototyping facilities
  • Guidance on government grants (NIDHI-PRAYAS, DST, BIRAC, MeitY)
  • Alumni and industry networking
  • IP commercialization and patent filing support

Eligibility

Open to students, faculty, and alumni. External startups in domain-aligned sectors may also apply.

Who Should Apply

Early-stage founders at ideation or prototype stage seeking academic mentorship, specialized lab access, and government seed funding support.

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