RKVY-RAFTAAR Scheme Student Agripreneurs , SIIC IIT Kanpur

• Student agripreneurs at idea or product stage seeking RKVY-RAFTAAR funding.

About this scheme

RKVY-RAFTAAR (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana , Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation) is a flagship scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India, aimed at fostering innovation-driven growth in agriculture and allied sectors. Under this scheme, the Foundation for Innovation & Research in Science & Technology (FIRST) at IIT Kanpur, through its Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), is serving as a Knowledge Partner and inviting applications from student agripreneurs.

This cohort will support four selected startups with a grant of up to Rs. 4 lakh each, disbursed on a milestone basis per RKVY-RAFTAAR programme guidelines. Beyond the grant, selected teams receive structured incubation at IIT Kanpur, including access to SIIC's facilities, tailored mentorship, and technical validation from domain experts. Students who physically participate in the one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program are additionally eligible for a stipend of Rs. 10,000 per month during that period.

The programme is designed to take agritech ideas from the idea stage to the pre-seed stage, with emphasis on problem relevance, innovation potential, and founder commitment rather than on prior traction. The focus sectors span the breadth of agriculture: farm technologies, agri-biotechnology, post-harvest management and value addition, AI and data-driven solutions in agriculture, agri-waste to wealth, farm mechanisation, and agri supply chain and market linkages.

Market access support is a structured component of the programme , selected startups get assistance in piloting and scaling through connections with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), urban local bodies, industries, and farming communities. The programme also facilitates follow-on funding through investor connects and pitch sessions, providing a pathway for teams to raise capital after the grant period.

SIIC IIT Kanpur has an established track record of incubating deep-tech and agritech ventures, and participation in this programme gives student founders direct access to IIT Kanpur's research infrastructure, faculty networks, and the broader RKVY-RAFTAAR government ecosystem , a meaningful launchpad for founders who want to build in the agritech space from the ground up.

Who can apply

• Applicants must be student agripreneurs (individual or team) from a recognised academic institution
• Idea must be at an early stage: idea to pre-seed; basic PoC or validation is preferred but not mandatory
• Must operate in one or more eligible sectors: agriculture and farm technologies, agri-biotechnology, post-harvest management, AI/data-driven agri solutions, agri-waste to wealth, farm mechanisation, agri supply chain and market linkages, or other aligned agricultural innovation
• The proposed solution must be innovative and original; applicant(s) must own or have clear rights to develop and commercialise the idea
• At least one team member must be actively involved in developing the idea
• Incorporation is not mandatory at application stage; selected startups may be required to form a legal entity (preferably private limited) later
• Registered entities (companies, DPIIT startups, MSMEs) are also eligible , not restricted to individuals
• Must comply with RKVY-RAFTAAR programme guidelines and SIIC IIT Kanpur incubation policies

Benefits & funding

• Selected startups receive a milestone-based grant of up to Rs.
• 4 lakh (equity-free) for idea-to-pre-seed development.
• Students physically attending the one-month Agripreneurship Orientation Program receive an additional stipend of Rs.
• The programme also facilitates follow-on funding access through investor connects and pitch sessions post-incubation.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with SIIC IIT Kanpur, in your own name.

1. 1

   Shortlisted applicants are evaluated through a structured selection process by the RKVY Incubation Committee and the Selection and Investment Committee.

2. 2

   Selection emphasis is placed on strength of idea, problem relevance, innovation potential, and commitment of the founding team rather than on existing traction.

Documents checklist 3

• Business plan with solution, market strategy, financial projections, and expected impact
• Impact metrics or data demonstrating viability and usage of solution
• Founding team description highlighting relevant expertise

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions