SIDBI Seed of a-IDEA provides funding support of up to ₹1 crore to innovative agri-tech startups at the MVP or early commercialization stage. The programme helps startups accelerate commercialization and growth while supporting innovations across agriculture and allied sectors.
About a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM
a-IDEA, the Association for Innovation Development of Entrepreneurship in Agriculture, is a Technology Business Incubator based at ICAR-NAARM, the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, in Hyderabad. Operating from a 14,000 sq ft facility on the NAARM campus since 2014, it is backed by the Government of India through NSTEDB under the Department of Science and Technology and BIRAC under the Department of Biotechnology.
The incubator is one of the country's most specialised agri-business players, working only with ventures across 14 domains of agriculture and allied sectors and linking ICAR's research base to commercial markets. A tie-up with the Small Industries Development Bank of India channels seed equity into agri-startups through the SIDBI Seed Fund Program.
Its flagship is Agri UDAAN, a food and agribusiness accelerator launched in 2015. The four-to-six-month programme takes companies that are two to three years old, already have a working prototype, and can show market traction, and it has run repeatedly through UDAAN 5.0 and beyond; in the UDAAN 2.0 cycle alone, 579 startups applied, 40 were mentored, 10 were shortlisted, and 4 secured funding of about Rs. 6.25 crore. Alongside it sit KRISHI BOOT for pre-incubation and capacity building, a BIRAC-supported ABI Incubation track for biotech and agri-innovation, the NIDHI PRAYAS grant for prototype development, and the SIDBI Seed Fund Program.
Food-technology, agritech, and agri-business founders from the ideation to early-revenue stage stand to gain most, as do ICAR researchers looking to commercialise their work. The centre can be reached at aidea.naarm.org.in.
Who they work with
Frequently asked questions
What funding programs does a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM run?
a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM currently has 7 programs listed in this directory, including SIDBI Seed of a-IDEA, AGRI UDAAN Food and Agribusiness Accelerator 8.0 at a-IDEA, MANAGE FISHub Incubation Program 2026 Cohort II - MANAGE Fisheries Innovation. Each program page covers the funding amount, eligibility and application process.
Is a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM a government organisation?
a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM is listed as a incubator. It is not a government body, and its programs follow the organisation's own selection process.
How do I evaluate whether a a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM program fits my startup?
Start with the stages and sectors shown on this profile, then open the program pages for eligibility conditions and document checklists. If you want a structured view, send an enquiry below and an IncorpX advisor will walk you through fit and readiness.
Do I apply to these programs through IncorpX?
No. Applications are always submitted in your own name with the respective program authority. IncorpX is independent of a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM and provides assistance for application preparation, document organisation and prerequisite registrations such as incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST.
Enquire about a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM
Tell us what you are building and which a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM program you are evaluating. An IncorpX advisor will help you assess fit and get application-ready.
Enquiry received
Thanks! An IncorpX advisor will reach out shortly to talk through a-IDEA, ICAR-NAARM and your next steps.
IncorpX is a private platform operated by a private company. It is not a government department, agency or official portal, and it is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of any government body or of any organisation, incubator, accelerator, investor or partner listed in this directory. All program names, logos and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification only.
This directory is compiled from publicly available official sources and is provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Funding amounts, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines and availability are determined by each program authority and change with every cycle, so the details shown here may be incomplete or out of date. Always confirm the current terms on the official program source before you apply or take any decision.
IncorpX charges no fee for the information in this directory and does not collect, process, lodge or submit any application on your behalf. Applications are made by you, in your own name, directly with the respective program authority. IncorpX provides assistance only for application preparation and for related registrations such as company incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME (Udyam) and GST. Eligibility, approval, disbursement and selection rest solely with the respective program authority, and IncorpX makes no representation or guarantee as to any outcome.
Closing soon
Perks & credits
View allZoho Partner Benefits
Free Zoho Account + Exclusive Discounts
Open AI for Startups
$2,500–$5,000+ in API Credits
Claude API credits
