RKVY Innovation and Agri-entrepreneurship Programme (agri start-up grants)
Shown as running by: RKVY agri start-up portal, read 6 Oct 2026 (undated, Home page, "Inviting application from Startups": "Apply for VIKAS R-ABI Cohort-7!" — Application Start Date: 15/09/2026, Application Closing Date: 15/10/2026)
Grants for agri start-ups picked by an RKVY agribusiness incubator: up to ₹5 lakh at the idea (pre-seed) stage and up to ₹25 lakh at the seed stage, with a month’s training.
- Lead benefit
- 85%of the cost, at most
- Components
- 2each read from the document
- Who can apply
- 2kinds of applicant
- Closing date
- Seasonalsee “When to apply”
What it pays
Up to ₹5 lakh grant at the idea / pre-seed stage — 85% of the sanctioned cost; you bear 15%.
What the document says, word for word
For a founder with an idea, proof of concept or prototype (para 6.4, 11.1.3). 15% of the sanctioned funds is borne by the incubatee (para 11.2.3). Start-ups already funded by another government source for the same product are not eligible (para 11.2.2). The grant must be used within 6 months (Table-II).
“Each selected startup will be provided with a maximum limit of Rs. 5 lakh as a grant-in-aid under the scheme in one instalment based on the recommendation of SIC.”85% of the project cost, up to ₹25 lakh, for a start-up with a ready product (seed stage); you bear 15%.
What the document says, word for word
For a registered Indian start-up (DPIIT definition) with a minimum viable product, at least two months’ residency at the incubator, and consistent performance (para 12.2). Money can go to product refinement, trials, test marketing, data, IP fees and manpower (para 12.3). The second half is paid after milestones and a CA-certified utilisation certificate (para 12.4.3).
“For ensuring incubatee in the programme, 15 percent on proportionate basis of the project cost will be borne by the incubatee. The remaining 85 percent of the project cost on proportionate basis upto a maximum of INR 25 lakhs will be borne under the Innovation and Agri-entrepreneurship programme of RKVY scheme.”How much can I claim?
This clause does not fund this applicant type (11.2.1; 11.2.3; 6.4; Table-II).
For a founder with an idea, proof of concept or prototype (para 6.4, 11.1.3). 15% of the sanctioned funds is borne by the incubatee (para 11.2.3). Start-ups already funded by another government source for the same product are not eligible (para 11.2.2). The grant must be used within 6 months (Table-II).
Who can apply
- Agri startup
- Agri entrepreneur
Papers you need
- Application in the prescribed format on the portal (para 13.2)
- Self-declaration of any other government grant for the same product (para 13.4)
- DPIIT start-up recognition before funds are released (para 11.1.2, 12.2.3)
How to apply
- Watch for a call for applications on the central portal or an incubator’s website (para 13.1).
- Apply in the prescribed format on the portal, choosing at most two incubators and one stage — pre-seed or seed (para 13.2, 13.3).
- If shortlisted, attend the one-month orientation (₹10,000 stipend) and present to the incubator’s committee, which fixes the grant and milestones (para 11.2.4, 13.5–13.7).
- Sign the agreement with the incubator; the grant is released through it (pre-seed in one go, seed in two halves) (para 11.2.7, 12.4.1–12.4.3).
Applying is free. Never pay anyone to apply for you.
When to apply
Each incubator runs its own call. On 6 October 2026 the portal listed a call open from 15 September to 15 October 2026.
Combining with other schemes
The documents do not say whether this can be combined with other schemes. Ask the implementing office before you count on both.