Offering budding agri-entrepreneurs across India an opportunity to access funding, mentorship, and world-class infrastructure, the Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI) at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has officially opened and invited applications for Cohort 7 under the prestigious RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme. With a proven track record of nurturing over 100 innovative startups in the agriculture and allied sectors, PABI continues its mission to transform agri-innovation into scalable businesses that benefit farmers, enhance sustainability, and boost rural employment. Under UDAAN program, startups would receive grant-in-aid upto Rs 25 lakh, whereas under UDDAM program, they would get grant-in-aid upto Rs 5 lakh. Under Student Orientation Program, youths would be offered grant-in-aid up to Rs 4 lakh. These programmes provided structured one-month mentoring and incubation; access to PAU labs, technical support, and research infrastructure; business model development, branding, and investor readiness; and sector-specific mentoring by agri domain experts. The last date for the receipt of the application was May 18 and that interested candidates could also apply by visiting the website www.paupabiraftaar.co.in. The candidates can also contact by e-mailing at pabi@pau.edu or at mobile number 91-78372-53736, 98767-47977.
Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU,”PABI has emerged as a pivotal platform to bridge research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Punjab’s agricultural landscape. Through initiatives like Udaan, Uddam, and the Student Orientation Program, we are empowering young minds and rural innovators to convert ideas into impactful enterprises. I urge students, entrepreneurs, and startups to take advantage of this unique opportunity to contribute to a more self-reliant and sustainable agri-sector.”
Dr TS Riar, Principal Investigator, PABI and Additional Director Communication, PAU, “With the launch of Cohort 7, PABI continues to extend its support to innovators who are passionate about solving real-world agricultural challenges. Our goal is to identify promising technologies, nurture grassroots talent, and provide a structured ecosystem for their success.”
Dr Poonam Sachdev, Co-Principal Investigator, PABI, “The diversity of innovations we’ve supported at PABI — from biotech and food processing to farm mechanization — is a testament to the creativity of Indian youth. Through this cohort, we look forward to mentoring more startups and students, especially women and rural entrepreneurs, to create inclusive and market-ready agribusiness models.”
