SoilBox Cohort 4
By RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University
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Quick Answer
SoilBox Cohort 4, anchored at riidl SVU and funded by OmniActive, offers Agritech startups grants up to ₹10 Lakhs, mentorship, and extensive ecosystem support to tackle critical agricultural challenges.
- Funding amount
- Up to ₹10 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Grant
- Application deadline
- Closed
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Results & next round
Applications for this round closed on 31 July 2026. The organiser has not published a selection list that we can verify yet.
Selections for this programme are announced by RIIDL, Somaiya Vidyavihar University. Official links are listed under Sources below.
We update this page when results are published, and when the next round opens.
About this grant
SoilBox Cohort 4 is a leading accelerator program designed to empower innovative Agritech startups. In association with riidl, Somaiya Vidyavihar University (SVU), this program is dedicated to fostering solutions that address some of the most pressing challenges facing the agriculture sector today. This includes enhancing productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, building climate resilience within agricultural systems, and ultimately improving farmer livelihoods across India. The program is presented by the Improving Lives Foundation and receives crucial funding from OmniActive, underscoring its commitment to impactful innovation. By bringing together a robust network of innovation hubs and industry partners, including AIC Baramati Foundation, IIM Calcutta Innovation Park, SSN iFound, a-IDEA (ICAR-NAARM), and IIT Mandi Catalyst, SoilBox ensures that participating startups gain access to unparalleled expertise, resources, and market opportunities. It serves as a vital platform for early-stage Agritech ventures to transform their groundbreaking ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses, driving positive change in the agricultural landscape.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Create a free account to view.
Grant providers
Research Innovation Incubation Design Lab (RIIDL) was established in 2010 by Somaiya Vidyavihar on its Mumbai campus to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. It is registered as a Section 8 not-for-profit company with over 20,000 sq ft of incubation space, and is supported by…
Learn moreBenefits & Funding
- Amount
- Up to ₹10 Lakhs
- Fund type
- Grant
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayment
- Non-repayable
What You Get
The SoilBox Cohort 4 program provides significant financial backing with up to ₹10 Lakhs in non-repayable grants to selected Agritech startups. Beyond direct funding, participants benefit from a comprehensive support stack including tailored mentorship from industry veterans and domain experts. The program offers extensive ecosystem support, facilitating connections with a broad network of innovation and industry partners, investor access, and invaluable growth opportunities designed to accelerate startup development and market entry. This holistic support aims to equip founders with the resources, knowledge, and connections needed to build sustainable and impactful businesses in the agricultural sector.
- Disbursement
- Milestone Based
- Funding source
- CSR funded
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process for SoilBox Cohort 4 is designed to identify Agritech startups with high potential for innovation, impact, and scalability. Applications are first screened by a dedicated team from riidl SVU and program partners, who assess alignment with the program's objectives and core eligibility criteria. This initial review focuses on the clarity of the problem addressed, the uniqueness and feasibility of the proposed solution, and the strength of the founding team. Shortlisted startups typically undergo a rigorous evaluation phase, which may involve detailed proposal reviews, virtual interviews, and presentations to a panel of expert judges, mentors, and program stakeholders. The final selection prioritizes ventures that demonstrate significant potential to contribute to agricultural advancement, possess a viable business model, and exhibit a strong commitment to execution.
Application Process
- 1
Apply Online
Submit your detailed application form and supporting documents via the official portal.
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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 kind of startups is SoilBox Cohort 4 looking for?
SoilBox Cohort 4 is seeking Agritech startups that are developing innovative solutions to address critical challenges in agriculture, including productivity, sustainability, climate resilience, and improving farmer livelihoods. Solutions with high potential for impact and scalability are highly encouraged.
What is the maximum grant amount I can receive?
Selected startups can receive non-repayable grants of up to ₹10 Lakhs. The final grant amount will be determined based on the startup's proposal, potential impact, and financial needs, typically disbursed in milestones.
Is this program open to startups from all over India?
Yes, the program is open to eligible Agritech startups from across India. There are no specific state-based restrictions for applicants, provided they meet the core eligibility criteria focused on the agricultural sector.
Does the program take equity from participating startups?
No, SoilBox Cohort 4 offers grants, which are non-repayable and do not require startups to give up any equity. This ensures founders retain full ownership of their ventures while receiving crucial financial support.
What kind of support, apart from funding, can I expect?
Beyond the grant, you can expect extensive mentorship from seasoned experts, access to a vast network of innovation and industry partners, ecosystem support from incubators like riidl, and various growth opportunities including potential investor introductions and market access facilitation.
What is the application deadline for SoilBox Cohort 4?
The application deadline for SoilBox Cohort 4 is July 31st, 2026. Interested startups are advised to complete and submit their applications well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
