Call for

MANAGE-CIA Cohort 13 Applications from Agripreneurs and Startups in India

Organisation Name:

National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE)

Application Deadline:

15 June 2025

About Organisation

The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), established under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is a premier institute focused on strengthening agricultural extension and agribusiness management in India. The Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA) at MANAGE plays a pivotal role in nurturing early-stage agripreneurs and startups by offering strategic support through incubation, mentoring, and funding. Under the RKVY-RAFTAAR (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation) scheme, MANAGE-CIA empowers startups to bring innovation into Indian agriculture. By providing access to technical guidance, business planning, prototype development, and market linkages, it aims to foster a robust ecosystem for sustainable agribusiness ventures. The center supports innovative ideas that have the potential to address real-world agricultural challenges, enhance productivity, and improve farmer livelihoods. Through its dedicated cohort-based programs, MANAGE-CIA facilitates capacity-building initiatives that bridge the gap between ideation and execution in the agri-entrepreneurship space.

About the Grant

The MANAGE-CIA Cohort 13 initiative is a part of the Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship program supported by RKVY-RAFTAAR. It offers financial and mentoring support to individuals and early-stage startups in the agricultural sector across three tracks: Idea Stage, Student Orientation Program, and Seed Stage. Each track provides tailored assistance to help participants move from concept to commercialization. Selected candidates will undergo an intensive one-month mentoring program focused on business development, market readiness, and scaling strategies. Post-training, participants will get an opportunity to present their innovation or business plan before an expert panel for consideration of grant-in-aid. This grant aims to boost entrepreneurship in agriculture by funding promising solutions that can transform traditional farming practices, improve supply chains, or introduce new agri-technologies. The initiative provides a launchpad for startups and young innovators committed to revolutionizing agriculture and contributing to rural economic development.

Who can Apply?

Applications are invited from aspiring agripreneurs, agri-based startups, and students passionate about building solutions in the agriculture domain. There are three categories:

Idea Stage: Open to individuals or teams with innovative agri-based concepts seeking support to build a prototype.
Student Orientation Program: Specifically for students with a strong interest in entrepreneurship and agriculture, willing to explore and refine their ideas with expert guidance.
Seed Stage: Targeted at early-stage agri-startups that have developed a minimum viable product and now seek funding to scale operations and reach the market.
Eligible applicants must be Indian nationals with a focus on solving key agricultural challenges through technology, innovation, or business strategies. Priority is given to ideas that demonstrate potential for sustainability, scalability, and social impact in the agricultural sector.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates must submit their applications online through the designated application portal. The selection process includes screening, mentoring, and pitching before a panel of experts.