PABI UDAAN Seed Programme 2026 by PAU Ludhiana

About this scheme

The UDAAN Programme, a cornerstone initiative of the Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI), is structured as an incubation pathway for growth-stage agri startups. It specifically targets ventures that have developed an innovative Minimum Viable Product (MVP), service, business process, or business model and are poised for commercialization. The program's core objective is to empower these startups to scale their operations effectively, broaden their market presence, and fortify their foundational business models.

PABI, established in March 2019 under the aegis of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana, operates as a vital node within the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana , Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) scheme. This pivotal Central Government of India initiative, managed by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmer Welfare, is designed to propel innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. PABI has a demonstrated history of impact, having trained over 250 startups, successfully facilitated funding for 92 ventures, and disbursed more than Rs. 11.5 Cr in support, underscoring its commitment to nurturing agri-entrepreneurship.

The financial component of the UDAAN Programme offers substantial backing through a non-dilutive grant-in-aid, providing up to Rs. 25 lakh. This critical funding mechanism ensures that participating startups receive essential capital without having to cede equity, preserving their ownership and control. The disbursement process is strategically milestone-based, with funds released in planned tranches that align with the completion of structured workshops and various facilitation milestones. This approach ensures that financial support is both strategic and phased, directly correlating with the startup's progress and achievement of predefined objectives.

Beyond monetary assistance, the program delivers comprehensive non-monetary support. This encompasses an intensive two-month structured workshop, designed to impart targeted training and crucial skill development. Participants gain invaluable guidance and insights through mentorship from a network of seasoned domain experts. Furthermore, UDAAN facilitates strategic market and industry linkages, creates vital investor connect opportunities, and significantly enhances startup visibility through expertly curated events and an expansive professional network. The program also provides end-to-end commercialization support, guiding startups through every phase from product development to successful market entry.

Who can apply

• **Innovative MVP Ready for Commercialization**: Applicants must demonstrate a clearly defined, innovative minimum viable product (MVP), service, business process, or business model that has moved beyond the ideation phase and is prepared for market entry and scaling. This ensures that the program supports ventures with tangible progress and clear potential for impact.
• **Focus on Agriculture and Allied Sectors**: The startup's core business operations are required to be within the agriculture, allied sectors, food processing, agri-supply chain, or rural innovation domains. This specialization ensures alignment with PABI's mandate and the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme's objectives to foster agricultural development and entrepreneurship.
• **Registered Legal Entity**: All applicants must be formally incorporated as a registered entity. This includes private limited companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), or proprietorships, ensuring legal compliance and a structured operational framework for investment and support.

Eligible entity types: Private Limited, LLP, Proprietorship

Benefits & funding

• The UDAAN Programme offers a non-dilutive grant-in-aid of up to Rs.
• 25 lakh, providing crucial funding without requiring equity relinquishment.
• Funds are disbursed in milestone-based tranches, strategically aligned with structured workshops and various facilitation milestones, ensuring financial support is phased and tied directly to the startup's progress and achievement of objectives.

Frequently asked questions