New Delhi: Experts have recommended 24 start-ups to receive technical and financial support from a dedicated fund of Rs 20 crore with the objective of boosting the agri-tech sector, as announced during the Agri sTartup deMo And funding (ATMAN) 2023 program.
According to the press release by Ministry of Science and Technology, this initiative aims to accelerate innovative ideas and technologies in the agriculture sector. It was organised by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with four Technology Innovation Hubs.
These Technology Innovation Hubs that are located at various leading Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in Ropar, Bombay, Indore, and Kharagpur, have played a massive role in identifying and nurturing these agri-start-ups.
During the ATMAN 2023 program, 55 start-ups presented their innovative solutions across panels focusing on various aspects of agriculture, like agri 4.0, mechanisation, automation, market intelligence, precision farming, agro IoT, yield prediction, farm advisory, and communication.
A jury selected and recommended 24 start-ups as potential beneficiaries of the Rs 20 Crore fund. The program also recognised excellence in innovation through the “Best Pitch Award” and showcased 20 key agri-tech technologies developed by the Technology Innovation Hubs.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, emphasised the importance of the amalgamation between research, academia, start-ups, and industry. He highlighted the role of such partnerships in effectively developing and marketing innovative products nationally and globally.
Dr. Rajesh Gokhle, Secretary of DST, discussed the potential the ATMAN program has, to support the development and commercialisation of agri-tech innovations. He stressed that ATMAN will be able to provide start-ups with opportunities to showcase their technologies to government and industry stakeholders.
Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Adviser at DST and Secretary SERB, noted the low number of deep tech start-ups in agriculture and expressed optimism about the sector’s growth. He explained that the initiative aimed to bridge this gap and extend its reach across the country, potentially involving agricultural universities and colleges in the future.
The program also introduced various initiatives, including the Grand Challenge and Competition for Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, “SAMRIDHI 2.0” which focuses on holistic innovation and development for ICPS Startups, and the release of ATMAN booklet the Quantum Enabled Science and Technology (QuEST) compendium.
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