Maitri is a global innovation partnership & collaboration initiative of Pusa Krishi, ICAR-IARI. The program is conceptualised with the aim to create deep impact global partnerships in the space of agriculture. MAITRI facilitates knowledge exchange between partner countries, enhances the power of innovation & technology, and opens up cross-border markets.
We’re always looking for like-minded partnerships with fellow nations to enable global dialogues, synergies, and prosperity.
Benefits
Market linkages in the partner countries
Focused visits to the partner institutions across the world
Incubation & commercialization support in partner countries
Collaboration opportunities with international startups
Training & workshops with global experts
Access to infrastructure at IARI
Indo Brazil AgriTech Cross Border Incubation Program
The first MAITRI program was launched in the year 2019, in collaboration with the Embassy of Brazil, New Delhi and ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), GoI.
Phase 1
Launch in 2019
The program was held at Pusa Krishi, ICAR-IARI from 9 – 15 December 2019. H. E. Mr. André Aranha Corréa do Lago, Ambassador of Brazil to India, Embassy of Brazil, New Delhi was the chief guest and Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) was the chairman.
The 2-week incubation program created various dialogues, and collaborations between Indian and Brazilian startups. Extensive learning and mentoring sessions were hosted that led to various pilot trials and lead generation for the participating startups.
Phase 2
Virtual Program in 2021
Considering the global COVID-19 situation, a 10-day virtual program kickstarted on 7 December 2021 with the aim to continue the collaboration between India and Brazil. The program hosted multiple sessions discussing the launch of Indian startups in Brazilian markets and vice versa.
Phase 3
Launch in 2025
MAITRI 2.0 was launched on 22 September 2025, marking the beginning of a 10-day program aimed at deepening collaboration between India and Brazil in the field of agri-tech innovation. Building on the success of the first MAITRI program in 2019–2021, this edition focused on agri-incubators, which are vital to a thriving start-up ecosystem.
The event was chaired by Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Director General of ICAR and Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), with His Excellency Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, serving as the Chief Guest.
The program was divided into two phases – starting with six days at ICAR-IARI in New Delhi, followed by four days at ICAR-NIVEDI in Bengaluru. It featured a comprehensive lineup of expert sessions, panel discussions, peer-to-peer interactions and field visits to key institutions such as the ICAR-NBPGR Gene Bank, Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub etc. The Brazilian delegates also attended the World Food India event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
MAITRI 2.0 marked a significant milestone in strengthening India-Brazil agricultural ties, creating a robust platform for knowledge exchange, cross-border innovation and sustainable growth in agri-tech entrepreneurship.