Pusa Krishi
May 22, 2026 2026-05-22 8:28University 01
Incubation Program for Innovations in Agriculture
A special initiative incubation program by Pusa Krishi, ICAR-IARI, nurturing early-stage innovators & entrepreneurs to transform the future of agriculture. Upja provides technology validation, mentoring & guidance, pilot opportunities, go-to market support, and industry linkage to startups with innovative solutions at MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage.
Registration ClosedWhat Happens: Once selected, our startups and innovators receive transformational support. The selected individuals & groups participate in mentoring and coaching with our technical experts, business & thought leaders. They also get access to our powerful network of startups & founders. This is one of the strongest networks of changemakers who are transforming agriculture & allied sectors.
The Results: The participants’ prototype is passed through multiple technical validations, business assessments, IP, and other checks to create a feasible, viable, and scalable product ready for the market. Finally, the participants get to pitch their product to our panel of experts and the selected startups get incubation facility with a Grant-in-Aid of up to Rs. 25,00,000.
What Happens: The selected startups receive mentoring and grant-in-aid of up to Rs. 25,00,000 (in 2-tranches) to commercially launch their product. They are mentored to run & sustain their business, grow their market linkages & connections, and develop a plan for scaling up. The start-ups also get field trials and pilot opportunities alongside.
The Results: In the program, our startups develop a better product & business acumen, their professional network grows in quantity as well as quality, and they have more options of raising money.
Allied Precision Technologies
Supply Chain & Agriculture Logistics
Post-Harvest, FoodTechnology & Value Addition
Waste to Wealth & Green Energy
Agriculture Allied Sectors
Agri Fintech
Agricultural Inputs & Biotechnology
Natural Resource Management
Agriculture Extension & Tourism
Farm Mechanization
Benefits of Joining the Programme
Unlock opportunities, mentorship, funding support and growth resources to accelerate your startup journey.
Programme Timeline
Your journey from application to growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our incubation, acceleration, funding, and startup support programs.
Who can apply for this Program?
It recognises early-stage ideas in the field of agriculture & allied sectors. You should apply, if you are:
- Have an idea/ innovation/ early-stage startup in agriculture & allied sectors.
- An Indian citizen.
What is the selection process?
Every year, through a rigorous open application process, our panel of evaluators select some of the most promising ideas & prototypes to be a part of program. The applications are evaluated on various parameters — including but not limited to — need, novelty, technical feasibility, business viability, scalability, social impact, market size, team capabilities, and projected financial growth.
After the application round, the shortlisted applicants appear for a selection committee interview. If selected in the interview, the applicants become a part of our cohort for the 2-month online mentoring program.
How can we get funding for our startup through this program?
After the 2-month online training & mentoring, the startups pitch their product/ service to our jury. The shortlisted startups have an opportunity to be a part of our 1-year incubation program with an initial Grant-in-Aid of upto INR 25,00,000.
What happens at UPJA?
UPJA is a 2-phase program. Here’s an overview of what happens:
Phase 1: 2 month online learning & mentoring sessions
Phase 2: 1 year incubation program
How will the training sessions take place?
The 2-month mentoring will take place online on video conferencing.
Do I need to pay any money to apply for UPJA?
No. You do not have to pay any fee or charges to apply for UPJA.
We’ve already raised funding. Can we still apply?
Applicants who have previously received grant funding under any State or Central Government scheme are not eligible to apply.
Will I be able to edit my application once submitted?
Yes, you can save your application and complete it later. Once submitted, the application cannot be edited.