ITM-ABI — Institute Technology Management–Agri Business Incubator
A programme by ICAR Indian Institute of Spices Research
The institute's agri-business incubator, set up under ICAR's National Agricultural Innovation Fund scheme, for entrepreneurs and enterprises across the spices value chain.
At a glance
| Best for | Entrepreneurs and enterprises in the spices value chain, including startups, corporates, NGOs, cooperatives, self-help groups, individual entrepreneurs and farmers |
|---|---|
| Duration | Normally 2 years, extendable by a year |
| Format | In person |
| Cost | Paid |
| Run with | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (National Agricultural Innovation Fund) |
About ITM-ABI — Institute Technology Management–Agri Business Incubator
ITM-ABI is the incubation and technology-management unit of ICAR – Indian Institute of Spices Research. It works with entrepreneurs and enterprises in the spices sector on a membership basis rather than a dated cohort, and each incubatee enters into a benefit-sharing agreement with the incubator before the incubation agreement is concluded.
What you get
- 75 sq ft of office space on an individual basis, on the institute campus
- Laboratory and research facility access, including the micronutrient pilot plant
- Scientific, technical and commercial mentoring, chargeable when taken without the laboratory or research facilities
- Facilitation of access to funding sources, including grants, loans, equity and venture capital
- A product channel: the unit's portal features spices, blends, bio-fertilizers, planting materials and wellness items from ICAR institutes and incubated startups
Who can apply
- Corporates, NGOs, cooperatives, self-help groups, startups, individual entrepreneurs and farmers
- An agriculture-based concept or idea, with commercial feasibility in the business proposal
- Indian or PIO nationality
- Novelty is preferred, as is a qualification or background in agriculture or food processing
- A proposal that fits with IISR's facilities, from applicants free of any illegal or objectionable background
How selection works: Applications for membership are evaluated by the Advisory Board or the ITM-ABI committee, and the most eligible applicant is recommended for final approval.
How to apply: Fill in the ITM-ABI membership form and send it to the Agribusiness Incubation Unit at the institute. No intake window is published. Incubation normally runs for two years and can be extended by a year in special cases; the same guidelines also say the agreed term cannot exceed two years, so confirm tenure before you sign.