INCUBATOR : RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubation – IIM Kashipur (FIED)

The Foundation for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) is an initiative of the Indian Institute of Management Kashipur (IIM Kashipur), dedicated to promoting entrepreneurial innovation and development in India’s startup ecosystem. FIED plays a crucial role in empowering entrepreneurs, particularly those working in the agriculture and rural development sectors. By fostering innovation, offering mentorship, and providing infrastructural support, FIED aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical implementation in the agribusiness landscape. The organization works closely with government bodies, industry leaders, domain experts, and the startup community to incubate and accelerate promising ventures. Through programs like RKVY-RAFTAAR, FIED encourages scalable and impactful solutions that contribute to rural prosperity, sustainable development, and the advancement of technology in traditional sectors. Located within the dynamic academic ecosystem of IIM Kashipur, FIED provides startups with access to world-class resources, research insights, and a nurturing environment for experimentation and growth. The center is committed to transforming the rural economy by supporting ventures that align with national priorities, such as doubling farmers’ income, improving food security, and enhancing supply chain efficiency.

The RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubation Program at FIED, IIM Kashipur, is designed to support startups innovating in the Indian agricultural and rural economy. This program offers equity-free government grants of up to ₹25 lakhs, depending on the stage of the startup. It aims to nurture early to growth-stage ventures working in agriculture, agritech, food technology, and allied sectors. Selected startups receive structured incubation support including mentorship from industry professionals, domain experts, and IIM faculty. Participants benefit from co-working spaces, access to pilot opportunities, and market linkages to help scale their innovations. The program particularly encourages solutions that focus on agri-supply chains, farm mechanization, input technologies, sustainable farming practices, and value addition through food processing. It also provides platforms for investor connections, helping startups secure additional funding and strategic partnerships. Through this initiative, FIED aims to drive transformative change in rural India by supporting ventures that bring measurable social and economic impact. The program is part of a larger national mission to make Indian agriculture more sustainable, efficient, and technology-driven.