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The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) of Australia, is calling for applications from start-ups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in both India and Australia to join the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the India-Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator.
This initiative aims to harness cutting-edge technologies and digital solutions to address climate challenges in agriculture and drive cross-border innovation. Commencing in October 2024, it aims to support businesses seeking to expand internationally and tackle shared challenges in the agriculture sector.
The RISE Accelerator programme, which began in 2023, has played a pivotal role in aiding start-ups and MSMEs to validate, adapt, and pilot their technologies in new markets. The new Climate Smart Agritech cohort specifically targets solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience amid climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity. The programme is particularly interested in technologies that address farmer needs and on-farm practices.
Tamara Ogilvie, Programme Director at CSIRO, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “India and Australia face common agricultural challenges, yet our farming operations are uniquely diverse. This cohort will help participants achieve product-market fit in varied environments and scale their solutions to meet global demands.”
Throughout the nine-month programme, selected participants will engage in a blend of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions. These include immersion weeks in both India and Australia, providing valuable market insights, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship from industry experts. Additionally, the programme will facilitate connections with potential partners and customers, significantly increasing the prospects for success in international markets.
The accelerator also includes field trials and technology pilots in its latter stages, offering participants hands-on experience and real-world validation of their solutions.
Pramit Dash, Programme Lead at AIM, emphasised the programme’s impact: “By fostering innovation and providing a platform for start-ups to scale their solutions, the RISE Accelerator not only addresses immediate agricultural challenges but also ensures that farmers can adopt resilient practices tailored to their specific needs.”
OpenGov Asia reported that NITI Aayog and CSIRO launched the RISE Accelerator in November 2023, under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). This initiative was designed to support circular economy startups from both countries, providing crucial assistance to tech ventures aiming for international expansion.
The nine-month programme focused on startups and SMEs with innovative technologies and solutions addressing environmental and climate challenges, facilitating their transition to a circular economy.
The RISE Accelerator helped participants navigate early market steps, connect with key partners, and build international credibility. The programme included virtual and in-person opportunities for collaboration between Australia and India. The first round targeted startups developing solutions for sustainability and provided non-equity grants of up to INR 40 lakhs. The application period closed on 7 January 2024.
The current round of the programme seeks novel solutions that address critical issues such as boosting agricultural productivity, reducing emissions, and optimising natural resource use. Start-ups and MSMEs interested in participating must submit their applications by 15 September 2024.
Participation in the programme is free of charge, with opportunities for travel between Australia and India. Additionally, selected participants may be eligible for non-equity grants of up to INR 45 lakhs.
For more information and to apply, visit RISE Accelerator. An Info and Q&A session is scheduled for 28 August 2024 for those seeking further details.
The India-Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator is a bilateral initiative led by CSIRO and AIM, NITI Aayog. The programme focuses on addressing shared environmental and climate challenges by supporting the cross-border expansion of innovative agritech solutions.
