Date: 17 March 2023
a-IDEA, The Technology Business Incubator of ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad organized its First Graduation Ceremony of Agri-Startups on 17 March 2023 at ICAR-NAARM, Hyderabad. To commemorate the success of the Agri Startups and to support and encourage the startup ecosystem in agriculture and allied sector.
Twenty Agri-startups who are incubated under a-IDEA’s incubation program titled “KRISHIBOOT 1.0” were received certificates and mementos and four winners of Aggnite 3.0 also awarded certificate and cash prize.
Shri. Devasis Padhi, Chief General Manager (OFDD), NABARD, Mumbai delivered the Chief Guest Address wherein he highlighted that startups must make themselves strong and not rely on funds and grants. India being the 3rd largest in the startup ecosystem, he wished the graduating startups to become unicorns of India in future.
Mr. Shantanu Pendsey, CGM, SBI, Mumbai shared his thoughts on the importance of startup products being market ready. He expressed his interest in making startups bank ready.
Dr. L. Narasimha Murthy, Senior Executive Director, NFDB, Hyderabad stated the activities carried out by NFDB and the schemes promoting aquahub/ aquaculture besides highlighting the subsidies available for women in the fisheries sector.
Mr. Emmanuel Murray, Investment Director, Caspian, Hyderabad expressed the support extended by CASPIAN over the years as both an investor, ecosystem partner, sponsor to a- IDEAS various programs. Ms. Sunita Singh, Executive Vice President, Wadhwani Foundation, Mumbai spoke on the sustainability aspects of agri-startups in India.
The presidential address delivered by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, President, a-IDEA & Director, NAARM wherein he stated the importance of value addition of fruits and the necessity for continuous innovation. He also expressed his gratitude to NABARD for extending their support over the years.
Dr. G. Venkateshwarlu, Vice President, a-IDEA and Joint Director, ICAR-NAARM in his welcome address highlighted the significance of the graduation ceremony and the various initiatives of a-IDEA. Dr. Senthil Vinayagam, CEO, a-IDEA presented the overall program details earlier.
About 100 startups, 50 students, farmers, outreach partners, ecosystem partners, mentors, banking officials, other incubation centre managers, investors, scientists, faculty and officials from SAU’s/ ABI’s/ TBI’s and employees of ICAR-NAARM, a-IDEA staff participated in the event.
See More: https://naarm.org.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Agri-Startups-Graduation-.pdf
Original Website Link : https://naarm.org.in/home/
