Accelerate Your Growth

Incubation Cohorts

Join our structured programs designed to transform innovative ideas into scalable agri-businesses.

Applications Open Next Batch

RKVY-RAFTAAR Cohort

We are inviting applications under RKVY-RAFTAAR. Selected startups receive grant-in-aid up to ₹25 Lakhs, mentoring from industry experts, and access to SKUAST-K’s R&D facilities.

  • Deadline: To be announced
  • Seats: 25 startups
Apply Now

Don’t miss the opportunity to scale your innovation.

Program Structure

From Idea to Market

1. Pre-Incubation

Duration: 2–3 Months

Ideation, idea validation, problem-solution fit, and building a prototype (MVP), with access to labs and basic mentorship.

2. Incubation

Duration: 6–12 Months

Core business incubation: product development, business modelling, regulatory compliance, and seed funding support.

3. Acceleration

Duration: Ongoing

Market linkage, scaling operations, investor connections, and support for expansion beyond the region.

Typical Cohort Timeline

Month 1

Applications & Screening

Month 2

Bootcamp & Selection

Month 3–4

Mentoring & Training

Month 5

Demo Day (Pitching)

Month 6+

Grant Disbursement

Frequently Asked Questions

Key information about RBICs & NABARD support

What is the objective of an RBIC?
The main objective is to provide a supportive ecosystem for aspiring agri-entrepreneurs and startups, helping them transition innovative ideas into viable commercial entities, turning rural youth from job seekers into job creators.
What kind of support is offered?
RBICs offer a range of services including business support, resources, mentoring, financial assistance (often helping access NABARD’s Catalytic Capital Fund (CCF)), and marketing guidance to aid in product development and commercialisation.
Who is eligible for incubation support?
The centres typically support entrepreneurs, farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and agri-startups working in rural development areas such as irrigation, food processing, bio-pesticides, precision farming, and renewable energy.
How are RBICs funded?
NABARD extends support to eligible host institutions (such as universities) for setting-up and operational expenditure for a period of five years through a grant-based model.
Does NABARD provide direct loans to individuals?
NABARD’s primary function is refinancing other institutions such as Cooperative Banks and Regional Rural Banks. It can provide direct finance to entities like FPOs or companies of farmers up to a certain limit. For most individual schemes (for example, dairy farming), loans are accessed through commercial or cooperative banks, with NABARD providing a subsidy or refinance facility.
How long does incubation last?
Structured assistance typically runs from 2–3 months of pre-incubation (ideation) to 6–12 months of core business incubation, followed by ongoing acceleration support.