Atal Innovation Mission and CSIRO Launch Climate Smart Agritech Accelerator Program

New Delhi: The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in collaboration with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has announced the launch of applications for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort under the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. This initiative marks a pivotal step in addressing the shared agricultural challenges faced by India and Australia, particularly in the face of climate change.

The RISE Accelerator program, which begins in October 2024, is specifically targeting start-ups and MSMEs from both countries that are developing innovative technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience. The focus will be on solutions that address the growing concerns of climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity, while also aligning with farmer needs and on-farm practices.

Since its inception in 2023, the RISE Accelerator has been instrumental in helping start-ups and MSMEs validate, adapt, and pilot their technologies for new markets. The introduction of the Climate Smart Agritech cohort signals a renewed focus on the agritech sector, with an emphasis on developing solutions that can withstand environmental challenges.

Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “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.”

The nine-month accelerator program offers a mix of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions, including immersion weeks in both India and Australia. Participants will gain valuable market insights, receive one-on-one coaching and mentorship from industry experts, and have opportunities to connect with potential partners and customers. The latter half of the program will focus on field trials and technology pilots.

Highlighting the program’s impact, Pramit Dash, Program Lead at AIM, stated, “By fostering innovation and providing a platform for start-ups to scale their solutions, the RISE Accelerator program not only addresses the immediate challenges in the agriculture sector but also ensures that farmers can access and adopt resilient practices tailored to their specific needs.”

Applications for the RISE Accelerator close on September 15, 2024. The program is free for participating start-ups and MSMEs, with potential opportunities for travel between India and Australia. Selected participants may also be eligible for up to INR 45 lakhs in non-equity grants.