July 22, 2026: Building an agritech startup often begins with an idea, but turning that idea into a business remains one of the biggest hurdles for innovators. ICAR is looking to bridge that gap with the launch of SHITIJ 2.0, a nationwide incubation programme designed to support early-stage agricultural entrepreneurs.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), through its National Agricultural Innovation Fund (ICAR-NAIF), has launched the second edition of SHITIJ 2.0, bringing together a nationwide network of research institutions to help founders move from prototype to commercial venture.
The programme was inaugurated virtually at the ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI)in Kasaragod.
SHITIJ 2.0 Opens Applications to Back India’s Emerging Agri Founders
SHITIJ 2.0 will operate through seven hub institutes supported by a network of spoke institutes across the country. ICAR-CPCRI has been selected as one of the national hubs and will coordinate activities through six spoke institutes focusing on plantation crops, fruits, vegetables and sugarcane value chains.
The programme targets entrepreneurs, innovators, students and farmers who have product concepts, prototypes or early-stage business ideas but require technical expertise, business mentoring and institutional support to build viable enterprises.
Participants selected for the programme will receive two months of free online entrepreneurship training, along with mentoring from ICAR scientists, access to incubation facilities, market linkage support and guidance on raising financial assistance.
The initiative also opens the doors to research infrastructure and technical expertise available across ICAR institutes, including ICAR-CPCRI and ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), enabling founders to validate technologies before entering the market.
As India’s agritech ecosystem evolves, one of its persistent challenges remains the commercialisation of research and grassroots innovation. While private investors continue to back high-growth agritech companies, many early-stage innovators struggle to access laboratories, mentors and industry networks. SHITIJ 2.0 seeks to address this gap by connecting entrepreneurs with the country’s agricultural research ecosystem at a much earlier stage.
The application window closes on August 10, 2026. Prospective participants can contact +91 9466963690 or reach out via abicpcri@gmail.com and directorcpcri@gmail.com for further details.
