SHITIJ 2.0 - National Incubation Programme
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Quick Answer
A free 2-month virtual incubation program by ICAR-CIRCOT for innovators and startups in Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology across India.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 28 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by ICAR-CIRCOT R-ABI. 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 SHITIJ 2.0 program, a collaborative initiative by ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai, serves as a national-level virtual incubation platform. It is designed to empower innovators, startups, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs working on solutions in the critical sectors of Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology. This program is launched under the Intellectual Property & Technology Management Unit (IP&TM) of the National Agricultural Innovation Fund (NAIF) by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
In India, agricultural productivity and farmers' incomes are significantly impacted by inefficiencies in farm operations and post-harvest losses. Innovations in farm mechanisation can reduce labor costs, increase efficiency, and enhance crop yields, while advancements in post-harvest technology can minimize food waste, improve value addition, and ensure better market access for agricultural produce. SHITIJ 2.0 aims to address these challenges by nurturing promising ideas into validated, market-ready solutions.
Operating through a Hub & Spoke Model, with ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai as the central Hub and seven other prominent ICAR institutes across the country acting as Spokes, the program leverages a broad network of scientific expertise and institutional support. This distributed model ensures that participants receive comprehensive guidance tailored to regional agricultural contexts and technological needs. The overarching goal is to identify, nurture, and accelerate early-stage innovations that improve efficiency, promote sustainability, facilitate value addition, and generate income within the agricultural sector.
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
CIRCOT R-ABI is the RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator run by ICAR-CIRCOT, the Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, on its campus at Adenwala Road, Matunga East, Mumbai. The RKVY Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare designated CIRCOT as…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The SHITIJ 2.0 program offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to accelerate agricultural innovations. Participants will receive two months of intensive virtual incubation and expert mentoring, providing tailored guidance on all aspects of their startup journey. This includes guidance from ICAR scientists and seasoned industry experts who will share their deep domain knowledge and practical experience. Startups will also benefit from technology validation and field testing support, leveraging ICAR's extensive research facilities and expertise to refine their solutions. Crucial business model and commercialisation support will help innovators craft viable strategies for market entry and growth. The program provides essential Intellectual Property (IP), licensing, and regulatory guidance to navigate the complex landscape of agricultural technology. Furthermore, participants will gain linkages with government funding schemes, private investors, and financial institutions, opening doors to potential capital. Extensive industry networking and market access opportunities will connect innovators with key stakeholders and potential customers. Finally, participants will have access to incubation facilities and technical support across the ICAR Hub & Spoke network, with continued support offered even after successful completion of the two-month program.
- Duration
- 2 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
Applications for SHITIJ 2.0 will undergo a rigorous, multi-stage selection process designed to identify the most promising and impactful innovations. Initially, all submitted applications will be reviewed by a panel of experts from ICAR-CIRCOT and partner institutions, evaluating proposals based on their innovativeness, technical feasibility, market potential, and alignment with the program's focus areas in Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology. Shortlisted candidates may then be invited for a virtual presentation or interview round. During this phase, applicants will present their ideas, PoCs, prototypes, or MVPs to a selection committee comprising ICAR scientists, industry experts, and incubators. The committee will assess the team's capabilities, clarity of vision, and the potential for successful commercialization. Final selections will be based on a comprehensive evaluation of all application materials and interview performance, ensuring that the chosen cohort represents a diverse and high-potential group of agricultural innovators.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your application through the designated online portal by the deadline, including details of your innovation and team.
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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
What is the primary focus of SHITIJ 2.0?
SHITIJ 2.0 primarily focuses on innovations in Farm Mechanisation and Post-Harvest Technology. The program seeks to nurture solutions that enhance efficiency, promote sustainability, add value, and generate income in the agricultural sector across India.
Who is eligible to apply for SHITIJ 2.0?
The program invites a wide range of applicants, including innovators, startups, students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs from all across India. Applicants should have an innovative idea, Proof of Concept (PoC), Prototype, or a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in the specified focus areas.
Is there any direct funding provided by the SHITIJ 2.0 program?
While SHITIJ 2.0 itself is a free incubation program and does not provide direct cash funding, it offers crucial linkages with government funding schemes, private investors, and financial institutions to help participants secure capital for their innovations.
What kind of support can participants expect from the program?
Participants will receive 2-month virtual incubation, mentorship from ICAR scientists and industry experts, technology validation and field testing support, business model and commercialisation guidance, IP & regulatory assistance, market access, and networking opportunities. Access to incubation facilities and technical support is also provided.
What is the duration of the incubation program?
SHITIJ 2.0 is a 2-month virtual incubation program. While the structured program runs for two months, participants also receive continued support even after successful completion.
Do I need to relocate for this program?
No, SHITIJ 2.0 is a virtual incubation program, meaning participants can engage remotely from anywhere in India without the need for physical relocation.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
