SKUAST-K launches ₹1.25 crore ‘Agrithon’: A grand challenge to promote agri-startups in Kashmir

Srinagar  — In a move to boost agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship in Jammu & Kashmir, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has launched ‘Agrithon – Agriculture Grand Challenge’, under its JK-CIP Incubation and Start-up Cell (JKCIP). The initiative invites applications from aspiring innovators, agri-preneurs, and start-ups working on breakthrough ideas that can transform the agricultural landscape of the region.

Officials told Ziraat Times, the challenge, spearheaded by SKUAST-K’s SKIIE (Sher-e-Kashmir University Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship) Centre and supported by IFAD and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, promises a comprehensive support package for selected start-ups, including:

• Seed capital support of ₹1.25 Crore

• Mentorship from Indian and global experts

• Networking opportunities with key government and agri-stakeholders

Key Themes of the Agrithon Challenge

The Agrithon covers a wide range of focus areas, including:

• Smart sensing and rapid agri-diagnostics

• Climate-resilient agriculture and precision farming

• Livestock and farm mechanization technologies

• Food processing, value addition, and warehousing

• Agri-supply chain innovations and waste reduction

• Use of genomics, AI, and ICT in agriculture

• Farm-to-fork solutions and nutrition enhancement

Agrithon Model: A Step-by-Step Process

The Agrithon model follows a structured, competitive selection process:

1. Call for Applications

2. Screening and Shortlisting of Start-ups

3. Pitching Round-I (SIC-I)

4. Selection of Top 25 Start-ups

5. Registration as Incubatees

6. Pitching Round-II (SIC-II)

7. Selection of Viable Start-ups for Round-II

8. Due Diligence and Disbursement of Seed Capital

9. Start-up Scale-up Support

Dr. Naveed Hamid (CEO, SKIIE) and Dr. M. Mubashir (Manager Incubation, JKCIP) are encouraging agri-innovators to seize this opportunity to transform their ideas into viable businesses. “This is a unique platform that not only offers financial support but also provides expert mentoring and a fertile ecosystem for innovation,” said Dr. Hamid.

Interested innovators and start-ups can scan the QR code provided in the official brochure or visit www.skuastkashmir.ac.in for detailed guidelines and to apply.