The India-Australia RISE Accelerator is calling for startups and MSMEs focused on Climate-Smart Agritech to join their program
New Delhi [India], August 19 : NITI Aayog's Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), a branch of the Australian government, has announced a call for applications from startups and MSMEs for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort under the Rapid Innovation and Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator program.
This initiative is intended to assist businesses seeking to expand internationally between India and Australia, as stated by NITI Aayog on Monday.
The accelerator program is open to startups operating in both India and Australia, offering them various benefits. The cohort is specifically designed to support startups and MSMEs engaged in developing technologies and solutions that boost agricultural productivity and resilience.
The focus of the program will be on startups and MSMEs that address the needs and priorities of farmers, as well as on-farm practices. Throughout the nine-month accelerator, selected startups and MSMEs will engage in a mix of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions, including immersion weeks in both India and Australia.
These sessions will provide in-depth market insights, personalized coaching, and mentorship from experts and industry professionals. The program aims to foster connections with potential partners and customers, enhancing the likelihood of success in new markets.
In the latter part of the program, participants will also have opportunities to conduct field trials and technology pilots. Applications for the RISE Accelerator must be submitted by September 15, 2024.
Participation in the program is free for startups and SMEs, with numerous opportunities to travel between Australia and India. Selected participants may also qualify for non-equity grants of up to Rs 45 lakhs, as per the NITI Aayog statement.
Launched in 2023, the RISE Accelerator program has played a significant role in helping startups and MSMEs validate, adapt, and pilot their technologies for new markets.
With the launch of the Climate Smart Agritech cohort, the program now specifically targets agritech startups and MSMEs offering solutions that improve agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of escalating environmental challenges, NITI Aayog added.
Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO, remarked, "India and Australia share common agricultural challenges, but the scale and diversity of our farming operations are unique. This cohort will enable participants to achieve product-market fit in diverse markets and rapidly scale their solutions to meet global demands."