Empowering AgriTech Startups to Tackle Sustainability Challenges
In a significant move to support innovation in agriculture, SBI Foundation and Villgro have launched the ‘Innovators for Bharat’ initiative, providing Rs 6 crore in catalytic capital to 14 promising agri-tech startups. These startups are addressing critical sustainability issues such as reducing post-harvest losses, converting agricultural waste into value-added products, and mitigating CO2 emissions.
Launch Event Highlights
The launch event, held at the Bangalore International Centre, witnessed the presence of senior leaders from SBI Foundation, Villgro, and NABKISAN, along with distinguished industry stakeholders, including investors, financing partners, CSR executives, and channel partners. The keynote address was delivered by Sanjay Prakash, MD & CEO of SBI Foundation, who emphasized the importance of fostering innovation to address agricultural and climate challenges.
“SBI Foundation’s vision is to support early and growth-stage startups that tackle the challenges associated with agriculture and climate change. By driving tech solutions, we aim to enhance the profitability and sustainability of smallholder farmers, creating a more resilient future for the agricultural sector,” Prakash stated.
14 Startups Leading the Way in AgriTech Innovation
The 14 startups selected for the ‘Innovators for Bharat’ portfolio include Bharat Rohan, RAAV Techlabs, Navork Innovations, Marut Drones, GreyMatter (Upaz), Carbon Masters, Raheja Solar, Ekosight, Pasidi Panta, Agrosperity (Kivi), Krimanshi, RuKart, GreenSupply, and E-Feed. These startups are pioneering solutions to key challenges in the sector, such as:
- Reducing post-harvest losses
- Creating value from agricultural waste
- Mitigating CO2 emissions
Over the next two years, the program aims to impact 10,000 individuals, promote sustainable practices across 60,000 acres of farmland and prevent the emission of 15,000 tonnes of CO2.
Innovative Financing and Mentorship Support
Maithili Rege, Associate Lead for Agriculture & Climate Action at Villgro, highlighted the program’s innovative approach, stating, “Through this program, we aim to coach agri-tech startups, help embed their solutions in the market, and provide access to innovative financing to supplement what they currently lack from the VC ecosystem.” She further explained that with initial funding of Rs 3.25 crore, an equal amount of catalytic capital is being unlocked through NABKISAN, bringing the total to Rs 6 crore for these startups.
The collaborative design of the program includes financial support from SBI Foundation and partnerships with banking institutions for mentorship, as well as civil society organizations for field trials. Villgro will provide crucial technical assistance, mentorship, and market linkages to help startups scale their solutions and create long-term social and environmental impact.
Panel Discussions and Industry Insights
The launch event also featured two insightful panel discussions on “Boosting Farm Finances” and “Making Climate-Smart Agri-Businesses Succeed,” where experts shared their perspectives on the future of agri-tech innovation and climate resilience.
A Flagship Initiative for Social Innovation
‘Innovators for Bharat’ is part of SBI Foundation’s flagship initiative aimed at accelerating social innovation in India. Through partnerships with high-impact incubators, the initiative focuses on sectors such as climate change, agriculture, fintech, health-tech, and Tech4Good. With Villgro as a key partner, the program seeks to empower social entrepreneurs to drive meaningful transformation in Indian agriculture, ensuring profitability, sustainability, and climate resilience.
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