PABI SOP 2026 by PAU Ludhiana (Student Orientation)

About this scheme

The Student Orientation Programme (SOP) 2026 is an entry-level initiative by the Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI), an entity established at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. PABI operates under the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme, a central government program from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, focused on revitalizing agriculture and promoting agribusiness entrepreneurship. PABI has a strong track record, having trained over 250 startups, funded 92, and disbursed more than Rs. 11.5 Crores in support to date, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation in the agri-food sector.

This program is specifically designed for students from PAU and other institutions, along with young agripreneurs, who possess innovative ideas within the agriculture and allied sectors. The core objective of SOP is to facilitate idea validation and provide participants with exposure to practical agribusiness environments. It aims to bridge the gap between academic concepts and real-world application, encouraging the next generation of innovators to address critical challenges in food security, sustainable farming, and rural development.

Financial assistance up to Rs. 4 lakh is offered as a non-dilutive grant-in-aid, which means these funds are provided without requiring any equity stake in the startup and are not repayable. This initial capital is intended to help individuals develop and refine their agricultural concepts, allowing for preliminary market research, prototype development, or business model refinement.

Beyond financial aid, the SOP provides structured ideation support and expert mentorship from experienced PAU faculty and PABI's extensive network of mentors, including industry veterans and successful entrepreneurs. Participants also gain valuable real agribusiness exposure through privileged access to PAU's state-of-the-art research stations, advanced demonstration farms, and established field networks. This hands-on experience and direct interaction with agricultural practitioners significantly enhances their practical understanding of the sector and prepares them for entrepreneurial success.

Who can apply

• The program targets individuals at the ideation stage, specifically students, youth, and aspiring agripreneurs who possess innovative concepts within agriculture, its allied sectors, or rural innovation.
• This broad scope ensures that talent from various backgrounds and specialties can contribute to solving agricultural challenges.
• The primary focus is on the novelty and potential impact of the idea rather than the applicant's existing business structure.
• Importantly, the program welcomes applicants from all regions of India, fostering a truly nationwide pool of talent and ensuring that diverse agricultural needs and solutions are addressed.

Eligible entity types: Individual Innovator, Private Limited, LLP, Proprietorship

Benefits & funding

• Selected participants receive up to Rs.
• 4 lakh as a non-dilutive grant-in-aid, which means the funds are provided without any equity dilution and are not repayable.
• This financial support is coupled with structured ideation guidance and expert mentorship from PAU faculty and PABI's extensive network of industry professionals.
• The program also facilitates invaluable hands-on agribusiness exposure and access to advanced agricultural infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions