July 22, 2026: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has launched the second edition of SHITIJ 2.0, a national startup incubation programme aimed at helping innovators transform agricultural ideas into market-ready businesses. Sponsored by the ICAR–National Agricultural Innovation Fund (ICAR–NAIF), the programme was virtually inaugurated at the ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CPCRI) in Kasaragod.
The initiative brings together seven hub institutes and multiple partner centres across the country, creating a coordinated support system for entrepreneurs working in agriculture and allied sectors. ICAR-CPCRI has been named one of the seven national hubs and will lead activities through six spoke institutes, focusing on value chains covering plantation crops, fruits, vegetables and sugarcane.
Unlike conventional training programmes, SHITIJ 2.0 is designed to support founders at the earliest stages of their journey. The programme is open to entrepreneurs, students, innovators and farmers who have product prototypes, business ideas or early-stage startup plans but need technical guidance, market access and mentorship to commercialise them.
2-Month Free Incubation: ICAR Launches SHITIJ 2.0 for Agri Startups
Selected applicants will participate in a two-month online entrepreneurship programme at no cost. In addition to business mentoring, participants will receive technical support from ICAR scientists, access to incubation infrastructure, assistance in connecting with markets, and guidance on securing financial support for their ventures.
The programme also gives founders access to expertise from leading agricultural research institutions, including ICAR-CPCRI and ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI), alongside other collaborating institutes in the network.
SHITIJ 2.0 Goes Live: ICAR Builds National Network for Agri Innovation
As India’s agritech ecosystem continues to attract investor interest, programmes such as SHITIJ 2.0 are increasingly becoming an important bridge between publicly funded agricultural research and commercially viable startups. While venture funding often favours startups that have already built traction, incubation initiatives like this aim to strengthen the pipeline by helping first-time founders validate technologies, refine business models and prepare for market entry.
Applications for the SHITIJ 2.0 programme will remain open until August 10, 2026. Interested applicants can seek additional information by calling +91 9466963690 or emailing abicpcri@gmail.com or directorcpcri@gmail.com.
