RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator, IIT(BHU) Varanasi

RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubator (R-ABI) IIT (BHU) Varanasi (January - June, 2023) Supported by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Government of India

1 Prof. Pramod Kumar Jain Director, IIT (BHU) Varanasi R-ABI (RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incubator) plays a crucial role in driving agri- cultural development by fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices within the agricultural sector. As a specialized incubator, R-ABI focuses on providing necessary support and resources to Agripreneurs at various stages of their business jour- ney, from ideation to expansion. One of the primary objectives of R-ABI is to nurture and develop innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by the agriculture and allied sectors. These innovations encompass a wide range of areas, including technological advancements, novel process- es, improved agricultural products, services, and business models. By promoting and sup- porting such innovations, R-ABI contributes in enhancing the agricultural productivity and efficiency, enabling farmers to maximize their yields and income. Furthermore, R-ABI serves as a platform for agripreneurs to access essential infrastruc- ture, modern equipment, and expert guidance from industry professionals and mentors. This nurturing environment helps agripreneurs refine their ideas, validate their concepts, and transform them into viable businesses.

2 Agripreneurship is becoming increasingly significant Prof. Rajnesh Tyagi in driving agricultural transformation. With today's technologies, AI-generated techniques are making a substantial contribution to this field of business models and market connections; agricultur- al start-ups play a crucial role in nurturing agricultur- al productivity, waste utilization, quality enhance- ment, employment generation and imparting them for embracing new techniques in rural areas. Additionally, farmers are being encouraged to adopt sustainable farming methods, which are crucial for ensuring the enduring viability of the agricultural sector. R-ABI, situated at IIT (BHU) Varanasi, has been functioning from past four years, during which it has offered financial support and incubation assistance to a total of 44 start-ups, with 13 of them being led by female entrepreneurs. Through its efforts, this incubator has played a significant role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the agricultural and relat- ed industries. I wish to convey my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the R-ABI team, as well as all the entrepreneurs, innovators, and start-ups involved, for their valuable contributions to the advancement of our nation.

3 R-ABI, IIT (BHU) at a Glance Current scenario R-ABI, IIT (BHU) is positioning itself as a nurturing entity that provides shelter to all the innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives in Agriculture and allied fields across our country. We are eager to further expand our endeavors in this direction. Additionally, we offer funding, workspace and coordination with experts and vari- ous departments to cater to the specific needs of our start-ups. We have accomplished the successful execution of RIC-2, and CIC for Cohort-5 Focus Areas • Agri Inputs • loT, ICT and Al in Agri- Key Highlights culture • Post-Harvest & Food 1. Agripreneurship Ori- Technology • Precision Farming entation Program (AOP) • Animal Husbandry, Dair- • Agri Clinics & Farm ying Health services 2. RIC-2 meeting of Co- hort-5 • Agri Extension Education • Waste to Wealth, Second- 3. CIC meeting of Co- • Natural Resource Man- ary Agriculture hort-5 agement • Farm Mechanization 4. Program on organic and sustainable agri- 130 Start-ups attended Agripreneurship Orientation Program culture(G20) 44 Start-ups incubated under Ankuran and Prasfutan Program 5 COHORTs Orgnized 5. Launch of Cohort-6 14 Women Founders 422 Lakhs Funds sanctioned 6. Start-ups corner

4 Agripreneurship Orientation Program Agripreneurship Orientation Program was organized between 3rd January to 7th February 2023. The Orientation Program of two months / sixty hours was organized and business, technical and legal sessions were held to pro- vide necessary exposure for their start -up.

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6 2nd RIC Meeting of COHORT-5 RIC-2 meeting of COHORT-5 was organized on 1st March 2023 in which twenty-four (24) shortlisted start-ups (12 each from Prasfutan and Ankuran) presented their progress in front of the committee members. Out of 12 start-ups, 11 start-ups were recommended under Prasfutan program and 6 start-ups out of 12 were recommended under Ankuran program. Therefore, total 17 start-ups were recommended for grant-in-aid for the CIC meeting to be held by IARI, PUSA, New Delhi. CIC Meeting of COHORT-5 The Center of Excellence Incubation Committee (CIC) Evaluation Meeting of Cohort-5 for recommended start-ups was held on 21st March 2023. The meeting was organized by Pusa Krishi, ZTM & BPD Unit, ICAR-IARI, in which 17 start-ups (11 Prasfutan and 6 Ankuran) pitched their idea and 4 promising start-ups were selected for grant-in-aid.

7 The following four start-ups were recommended for total Rs. 55.0 Lakhs in which 3 start-ups were from Prasfutan program and 1 start-up was from Ankuran Program. Preeti Singh Amrita Suhasini Suman Sisir Chandra Jonna Priya Pandey (Vasundhara Fibers) (Amritattava Nutrition (Navariti Innovation Pvt. (Agrifeeder Agricultural Pvt. Ltd.) Ltd.) Services Pvt Ltd) Biodegradable, A micronutrient- Solar-powered and Purchases farm compostable boosting powder IoT-enabled smart produce directly packaging and made from Anacardi- precision farming and creates innova- dinnerware made um Occidentals L. solutions with smart tive products with from Kansa grass fruit (Cashew apple) irrigation based on proper marketing that is organolepti- soil and environ- (lemongrass prod- cally aligned to mental conditions. ucts) blend with almost any Indian dish.

8 Launch of COHORT-6 On 17th May, we successfully launched Cohort-6, encompassing all applications from promising ag- ricultural startups.

9 Program on Organic and Sustainable Agriculture(G20) A two-day sensitization program on Organic farming and Sustainable Agriculture for women- led Agripreneurs was organized on the 9th and 10th of February at E-Hall, I-3 Foundation, IIT (BHU) Varanasi. The program was for empowering women entrepreneurs toward Organic farming and Sustainable Agriculture. The Experts were Mr Mukesh Kumar Pandey (Founder- Sikhar Vaidik Krishi Kendra Pvt. Ltd.D) and Dr Shyam Kamal (Associate Professor Dept. of Electrical Engg., IIT(BHU) Varanasi). Forty-five women entrepre- neurs participated in the program. VISITS Dr. Sarvanan Raj, Director, Agriculture Extension & CEO, Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship, MAN- AGE, Hyderabad visited I-3 Foundation, IIT (BHU) Vara- nasi on 27th January 2023 and interacted with R-ABI staffs and start-ups.

10 Start-ups Corner VN Organics Private Limited IDEA: Cordycep mushroom products Medicinal fungus cordycepsmiltaris formulation for diabetes, anti- aging supplements. Five days AAHAR Expo-2022 was organized at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 14th to 18th March 2023. M/s VN Organics Pvt. Ltd. participated at this event and was appreciated. VN Organics Pvt. Ltd. had the honor of being chosen for the prestigious Belgium Exchange Program 2022-23 by Madhya Pradesh government. This innovative start-up specializes in products based on cordyceps militaris mushrooms. The com- pany's founder, Ms. Nisha Niranjan, was selected from India to share her best practices and business model of her venture. Ms. Nisha Niranjan presented her insights and experiences at Leuven University, Belgium, where she discussed the unique approaches and strategies employed by her business. During her visit, the university organized a productive brainstorming session, inviting various start-ups to participate and exchange their best practices. This collaborative event aimed to provide mutual benefits and foster growth among the participating start-ups.

11 Amritattava Nutrition Private Limited IDEA: A micronutrient-boosting powder made from Ana- cardium Occidentals L. fruit (Cashew apple) that is organoleptically aligned to blend with almost any Indian dish. In the chain event of the G20 Global Summit, ANPL at C.V Raman Global University hosted a conclave \"Future of Work Food Tech\" for start-ups to present and she pitched her idea at the event held at Bhubaneswar. Participated in India’s first Cashew Fest-Goa conducted by Government of Goa and presented under AIC GIM. Got featured in Goa and Odisha news channels to spread awareness about the product, and social & environmental initiatives being taken to support cashew farmers and help them earn extra and reduce post-harvest loss of produce. Youtube Channel link: https://youtube.com/watch?v=gCSXwan3yZQ&feature=share

12 Navariti Innovation Private Limited IDEA: Solar-powered and IoT-enabled smart precision farming solutions with smart irrigation based on soil and environmental conditions. As part of Farming the Future partnership, participated at GreenTech Amsterdam in June’23 on invitation from The Netherlands embassy in order to find a business model for sustainable, safe, clean, healthy, high-quality, residue-free, unblemished fresh fruits, vegetables, and exotics. They were Listed in top Agri-tech start-ups by the Start-up pill on the site along with 14 Best Andhra Pradesh AgriTech Startups – The Future of Farming https://startupill.com/14-best-andhra-pradesh-agtech- startupsthe-future-of-farming/ They filed Patent and 5 trademarks. One of their trademark is granted this year.

13 Other accomplishment Nutritatva Pvt. Ltd. showcased their products at ‘Uttishtha’ (Annual Entrepreneurship Summit) IIM, Kashipur on 24th to 26th February 2023. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Gov- ernment of India and ICAR – Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut had organized the Pashu Pardarshani & Krishi Mela (Animal Exhibition and Agriculture Fair) which was in- augurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping. M/s Exflair Trade Pvt. Ltd. and M/s Healventures Biosciences LLP participated at this event which was organized at Muzaf- farnagar on 6th and 7th April 2023. Three start-ups of RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri Business Incuba- tor, IIT (BHU) were selected by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, GoI to showcase their activities in G20 Summit hosted at Hyderabad by Ministry of Agriculture dur- ing 15th-17th June, 2023. More than 200 national and interna- tional delegates attended the meeting and visited the stalls of the start-ups. Following start start-ups participated in G20 Summit. • M/s Exflair Trade Pvt. Ltd. [Founders: Chetan Kashyan and Babita Kashyap] • M/s Rudranjali Innovative Agritech Pvt. Ltd. [Founder: Sunil Laxman Rathod] • M/s Divavi Enterprises [Founder: Debika Mukherjee]

14 LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGIC TEAM Prof. Pramod Kumar Jain Prof. Vikash Kumar Dubey Prof. Rajnesh Tyagi Director, IIT (BHU) Dean (R&D) Principal Investigator PATNER INSTITUTE Prof. Yashwant Singh Director IAgSc, BHU TEAM R-ABI Dr. Abhishek Singh Ms. Sujeeta Biswas Mr. Arjun Tiwari Business Manager Business Executive Business Executive

15 Reach us: In front of IIT (BHU) proctor office. IIT (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi – 221005 [email protected] rkvyraftaariitbhu RKVY-RAFTAAR Agribusiness Incubator iitbhurabi Agri Business Incubator IIT BHU Varanasi