The RISE Accelerator, established in 2023, is expanding its focus with the new Climate Smart Agritech cohort. This segment is dedicated to start-ups and MSMEs developing technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience against climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity. The program is particularly interested in solutions that align with farmers’ needs and on-farm practices.
In a groundbreaking initiative to boost international innovation in agriculture, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has partnered with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to invite applications for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. This program, starting in October 2024, is tailored to support start-ups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from both countries aiming to expand their operations internationally.
The RISE Accelerator, established in 2023, is expanding its focus with the new Climate Smart Agritech cohort. This segment is dedicated to start-ups and MSMEs developing technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience against climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity. The program is particularly interested in solutions that align with farmers’ needs and on-farm practices.
Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director at CSIRO, emphasized the program’s significance, stating, “India and Australia face common agricultural challenges, yet our farming operations differ greatly in scale and diversity. This cohort will help participants refine their solutions to fit diverse markets and scale them rapidly to meet global demands.”
The nine-month program will provide participants with a combination of self-paced online learning and immersive in-person sessions. These include immersion weeks in both India and Australia, offering valuable market insights, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship from industry experts. The program also includes field trials and technology pilots to test and refine innovations.
Pramit Dash, Program Lead at AIM, highlighted the program’s impact, noting, “By fostering innovation and scaling solutions, the RISE Accelerator not only addresses immediate agricultural challenges but also ensures that farmers can adopt resilient practices suited to their specific needs.”
The latest round of the RISE Accelerator is actively seeking innovative solutions to critical agricultural issues such as enhancing productivity, reducing emissions, and optimizing natural resource use. Participation in the program is free of charge, with opportunities for travel between Australia and India. Additionally, selected start-ups and MSMEs may be eligible for up to INR 45 lakhs in non-equity grants.
The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator, spearheaded by CSIRO and AIM, aims to tackle shared environmental and climate challenges by facilitating the expansion of cutting-edge agritech solutions across borders. This partnership underscores a commitment to advancing agricultural practices and fostering international collaboration in addressing global food security and climate resilience.
