SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)
STPI AgriTech Centre of Entrepreneurship in Bhilai building an innovation ecosystem for Chhattisgarh's farmers.
SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai at a glance
| Part of | Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) |
|---|---|
| Address | Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India |
| Programmes | 2 standing programmes |
| Official website | stpi.in/en/stpi-coe |
Programs by SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai
1 past program · Filter all programs
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai, separate from the funding calls above.
Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS)
IncubationA comprehensive incubation scheme entrusted by MeitY to STPI, promoting and supporting innovative startups in software product development with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 95.03 Crores over 3 years, targeting 300 select startups.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
NGIS offers physical incentives like ready-to-work incubation and software product security testing, and soft support including mentoring, access to VCs, networking, market access, and advisory services (HR, Legal, Accounting, IPR/Patenting). Financial incentives include cloud credits, a pre-incubation program with Rs. 10,000/- per month stipend for 6 months, and seed funding of up to Rs. 25.00 Lakhs per beneficiary startup.
STPI Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs)
Centre of ExcellenceA network of domain-specific specialized incubation facilities across India for start-ups in emerging technologies, established by STPI under the Government of India's startup initiative.
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
CoEs provide a 360-degree support ecosystem including infrastructure (Hardware & Software labs), knowledge & handholding, funding & investment opportunities, mentoring & networking to nurture innovative start-ups. They aim to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and help create world-class IT/EDSM products indigenously, offering mentorship, support for PoC evaluation, product development, market-connect, and investor interaction.
Incubation tracks
The routes into SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai, and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Incubation Programme (NGIS)Stipend of Rs. 10,000/- per month for a period of 6 months. | Pre-incubation | — | mentoring, monthly stipend |
| Incubation (NGIS)Seed funding of up to Rs. 25.00 Lakhs provided to beneficiary startups. | Resident incubation | — | ready to work P&P incubation, full-fledged security & vulnerability testing, mentoring, access to VCs for funding, networking opportunities, industry connect, go-to market support, HR advisory, legal advisory, accounting advisory, IPR/Patenting advisory, cloud credits |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
Ready to work P&P Incubation
Software Product Security Testing (SPST) facility
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Recognitions & empanelments
Official approvals this incubator holds.
About SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai
Overview
SmartAgri CoE is an AgriTech-focused Centre of Entrepreneurship established by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) at Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. It is part of STPI's national network of domain-specific Centres of Entrepreneurship and is dedicated to creating a holistic ecosystem for innovation, R&D and entrepreneurship in the agriculture technology domain. Its core mission is to address the problems of farmers in the region — improving productivity, profitability and resilience — through technology-led startups.
Focus Areas
SmartAgri CoE concentrates on a set of high-impact AgriTech themes: Digital Farming; Smart Techniques for Crop Protection & Management; Forecasting using Predictive Analytics; and enhancing farmer income in the off-season using Hydroponic and protected-cultivation techniques. These themes are chosen to be directly relevant to Chhattisgarh's agrarian economy and to climate- and yield-related challenges faced by local farmers.
Programs
The Centre's flagship intake is the Open Challenge Program (OCP) 1.0, through which AgriTech startups are invited to accelerate their journey with funding, mentorship, market access and incubation support. The CoE provides a facility offering high standards and best practices in infrastructure, technology, leadership, mentoring, training and research & development, along with 360-degree support to startups from ideation through early revenue.
Infrastructure & Funding
Incubated startups gain access to seed funding facilitation, mentoring from domain and industry experts, market linkage opportunities, and physical incubation infrastructure at STPI Bhilai. The programme is designed to de-risk early-stage AgriTech ventures and connect them with the agricultural value chain, government schemes and potential customers.
Eligibility & Who Should Apply
The programme suits early-stage AgriTech startups, student founders and innovators building solutions in digital agriculture, crop management, predictive analytics, hydroponics and allied areas. Founders solving real problems for farmers in Chhattisgarh and central India, and those seeking government-backed incubation with sector focus, are strong fits.
Impact & Track Record
As a recently launched STPI Centre of Entrepreneurship, SmartAgri CoE is establishing its portfolio through OCP 1.0 and subsequent cohorts. It leverages STPI's national CoE framework and three-decade institutional track record in enabling India's technology and innovation ecosystem.
AgriTech founders targeting central India should consider applying through SmartAgri CoE's Open Challenge Program.
Who they work with
Stage
Sectors
Tags
Frequently asked questions about SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai
What does SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai do?
SmartAgri CoE is an AgriTech-focused Centre of Entrepreneurship established by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) at Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, under the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
Where is SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai located?
SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai is based in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India.
What programs does SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai run?
SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai runs Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) and STPI Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs).
What sectors does SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai support?
SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai works with startups in Agritech, Deep Tech and AI/ML.
What stage of startup does SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai support?
SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai supports startups at the Ideation, Validation and Early Revenue stages.
What facilities does SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai offer?
SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai offers Ready to work P&P Incubation and Software Product Security Testing (SPST) facility.
Is SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai government recognised?
SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai holds the following recognitions and affiliations: Entrusted by MeitY for NGIS implementation and CoE established under STPI, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
Similar incubators
More organisations supporting startups in this region or sector.
StartupTN
Tamil Nadu's nodal startup agency building one of India's fastest-growing entrepreneurship ecosystems.
Department of Industries, Government of Bihar
Bihar's nodal department implementing the Bihar Startup Policy 2022, offering grants, co-working, and matching funds.
Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Central government department driving India's biotech policy, funding, and startup ecosystem since 1986.
AL AMEEN COLLEGE, EDATHALA,ALUVA
AL AMEEN COLLEGE, EDATHALA,ALUVA hosts a NIDHI/AIM-recognised technology business incubation centre supporting early-stage startups in Ernakulam.
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies
Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies hosts a NIDHI/AIM-recognised technology business incubation centre supporting early-stage startups in Chennai.
Backward Classes Development Department, Government of Kerala
Kerala government department providing startup grants up to Rs 10 lakh for OBC/OEC founders
Recommended grants & schemes
Other open programmes matching SmartAgri CoE, Bhilai's focus areas.
