“Uttishtha 2024,” the 7th edition of the largest agri startup expo, hosted by the Foundation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (FIED) and E-Cell at IIM Kashipur, facilitated 13 agri-focused ventures for their uniqueness, and granted Rs 1.30 crores, a gesture supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Family Welfare. This initiative aligns with the commitment to empower and nurture promising agripreneurs nationwide the hosts stated.
According to IIM Kashipur, a total of Rs 14.6 crores has been disbursed to startups under various support schemes. Specifically, Rs 1.35 crores were sanctioned to 13 agri-focused startups in 23-24 through the RKVY RAFTAAR RABI scheme by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Additionally, Rs 2.89 crores were allocated to 13 startups under the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.
IIM Kashipur’s FIED , Uttishtha 2024 played a pivotal role in elevating startups like Bijak, Loopworm, Greenpod Labs, InfyU Labs, Agronxt, Industill, and Ikayu Foodlabs. These ventures collectively raised over Rs 320 crore in funding from external venture capital firms and angel investors, showcasing the impact of the incubation and support provided.
The highlight of the Uttishtha 2024, the Uttarakhand hills were well-represented at the agriculture fair, with 100 promising agri-startups and community-focused businesses participating. These entities showcased their products and services, contributing to the growth of the agricultural industry and its supporting ecosystems.
Uttishtha 2024 Gives wings to 100 Gov-Recognised Startups
IIM Kashipur’s impactful initiatives, such as the Uttishtha 2024 and Scaleup Pitchathon, a national live startup pitching competition, provided a platform for creative ventures to shine. The top three startups, selected from a pool of over 100 government-recognized startups, competed for a prize of Rs. 1.5 lakh, adding an element of competition and recognition to the event.
Prof Kulbhushan Balooni, Director of IIM Kashipur, expressed the institution’s commitment to supporting the startup ecosystem and regional development. He emphasized the importance of continued government support for sustaining incubators’ activities across higher education institutions. FIED, since its inception in 2018, has incubated 189 startups, creating over 3000 jobs and leaving a positive impact on more than 7 lakh farmers.
Prof Safal Batra, managing director of FIED and chairperson of E-Cell at IIM Kashipur, highlighted their recognition as leaders in entrepreneurship throughout India, showcasing their dedication to fostering innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.
