Program Overview
India has 157.35 million hectares of land under cultivation yet faces many challenges. 60% of agricultural land is at risk of soil degradation because of poor cropping pattern, $13 Billion was the economic cost for post-harvest loss in 2016 only and 35% of arable land was under irrigation in 2010. Despite myriad of challenges, the agri-food system is undergoing some transformation, but the speed of this change is much slower than what is required for achieving the SDGs, especially those related to land, water, environment, and climate change. Major changes will be witnessed in both growth rate as well as the composition of food demand in the coming years. Considering the unprecedent challenges that agriculture is facing and the opportunities that exist, there is a need for transformative innovations in Agri and allied sector.
India Agritech Incubation Network (IAIN) — a joint initiative by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Social Alpha — presents, “Techtonic Innovations in Agritech” to support innovative technologies and solutions addressing the problems thereby increasing the productivity and income of small and marginal farmers.
Ecosystem Partner
Investment Facilitation Partner
CALLING FOR APPLICATIONS
We invite innovators and entrepreneurs, with innovative technology, with strong focus on affordability, accessibility, efficiency, and user experience solutions working on any of the following challenges faced by smallholder farmers based in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
FOCUS AREAS
The cost of crop inputs is increasing at a significantly faster rate than profits from farmers crop yield. Sub-standard quality of seeds, increased usage and cost of agrochemicals result in high input costs, polluted natural resources and reduced yields. Unavailability of the good quality Agriculture Input for small and marginal farmers. We are seeking:
- Innovations to help farmers in reducing the cost of inputs and accessibility thereby improving the productivity.
- Affordable and sustainable solutions to reduce dependency on chemical inputs. (i.e., non-chemical alternatives to fertilisers and pesticides)
Despite the large-scale mechanisation of agriculture, most of the agricultural operations are carried on by human hand using simple and conventional tools. Current solutions are not suitable for small land holdings, capital and operational cost are high for the small and marginal farmers. We are seeking:
- Affordable and energy-efficient tools for land preparation, input application, inter cultivation, plant protection, harvesting etc that reduce drudgery, have improved user experience and are suitable for small land parcels.
The overuse of soils over years without caring much for replenishing has led to depletion and exhaustion of soils resulting in their low productivity. The average yields of almost all the crops are among the lowest in the world. Excess/unrecommended doses of fertilisers is resulting towards the degradation of soil. We are seeking:
- Near Real-time, decentralised soil testing solutions, with accurate results and appropriate input recommendations.
- Solutions to regenerate soil/enhance the soil quality and reduce the dependency on chemical alternatives.
Agriculture in India is largely dependent on multiple factors, a year of abundant output is often followed by a year of acute shortage. Adverse and unpredictable weather conditions are too harsh for crop to survive. Pest and diseases, if not detected and dealt with early enough leads to massive crop failure. Another prominent problem exist with Animal attack on the agricultural fields leads to huge loss every year. We are seeking:
- Precision crop health monitoring solutions that deliver actionable intelligence to reduce crop losses.
- Hyperlocal weather forecast models to deliver actionable insights for better farm-level decision-making right from land preparation to harvesting.
- Solutions for early pest/disease detection, monitoring system and advisory to minimise crop damage.
- Solutions to protect crop loss from animal attacks.
Depletion of water table, in-efficient water pumping and delivery systems are putting farmers at higher vulnerability and resulting in reduced water shortage, low yield of water and higher irrigation costs. Unavailability of low-cost micro-irrigation technologies (i.e. drip, sprinkler etc.). We are seeking:
- Smart and energy-efficient irrigation management systems for better water pumping and delivery technologies.
- Real-time mapping and monitoring of water resources and their management including rejuvenation and ground water recharging.
Post-harvest losses stem from a range of factors including lack of infrastructure, limited technical knowledge and inadequate market access. A significant proportion of post-harvest crop losses are due to decay and physical shocks. Lack of storage facilities both for perishable and non-perishable crops at the farmgate. Improper grading, sorting and processing technologies reduces better price realisation for farmers. We are seeking:
- Decentralized, affordable and modular energy efficient storage facilities for perishable and non-perishable commodities.
- Solutions to reduce storage losses and enhance the shelf-life of farm produce naturally.
- Sorting, grading and quality management and assurance solutions
- Food processing technologies to convert highly perishable crops into value-added products closer to the farmgate
- Farming-as-a-service along the agriculture value chain i.e., land preparation to market linkage.
High mortality of ruminants due to lack of veterinary services, technical know-how and real time information. Health detection and lower productivity causes low income to the farmers. Lack of scientific practices in seed, breed, feed, and pond management of fisheries. Unavailability of organized marketing channel of the allied sector. We are seeking:
- Solutions to enhance the productivity of livestock by addressing the challenges in the areas of animal nutrition, health and disease and breed management.
- Solutions for mitigating the impact of extreme weather events on cattles, poultry and fisheries
- Solutions for Input cost reduction and access to affordable equipment’s, actionable advisory and market linkages for inland fisheries.
Who should Apply?
Innovators & Start-ups with solutions that are technologically innovative and have the potential to create an impact in the lives of smallholder farmers of Uttar Pradesh & Odisha and demonstrate business model sustainability.
We are inviting applications in two categories:
Product Development/EIR stage
Innovations / Solutions in this category will receive support in physical prototype development and testing. The following Technology Readiness Level (TRL) will be considered for this categorisation.
- TRL 2 – Innovation or Technology Conceptualization/Ideation stage.
- TRL 3 – Proof of Concept stage / Active R&D has been initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.
- TRL 4 – Basic technological components have been integrated to establish that they work together.
- TRL 5 – Technology has been put together and can be tested in a simulated environment.
Piloting stage
This category is looking to provide support in primarily product commercialization and Go-To-Market Strategy. This would target the following in terms of Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
- TRL 6 – Prototype is being tested in simulated operational environment or in a high-fidelity laboratory
- TRL 7 – Actual system prototype is near completion or ready and has been demonstrated in an operational environment or is at pilot level.
- TRL 8 – Technology is proven and developed but not yet operational or applied anywhere.
- TRL 9 – Technology has been applied in its final form and is operational
- The product is already in the market and can be scaled
Program Offerings
Selected winners to receive
Access to paid pilots to test and validate the solution in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.
Incubation support services such as product development support, accounting, compliance, taxation, legal, IP (Intellectual Property), etc.
Credits for product development support including assistance with designing, rapid prototyping, and design for manufacturing
Practical on-the-ground feedback from the farmer community, grassroots non-profits, agriculture experts and corporate and government bodies
Access to mentors and capacity building through dedicated portfolio management.
Access to shared office space and amenities at Social Alpha.
Dedicated agri-business experts to assist with business planning, developing go-to-market strategy and overall business advisory.
Access to Social Alpha’s seed investment and / or grants funding; and facilitated access to a large investor and donor network.
Timeline
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Launch of Techtonic Innovations in Agritech
1st Aug 2022
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Deadline for applications
31st Aug 2022
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Evaluation & Virtual Interviews
1st – 15th Sep 2022
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Jury round for top 25;
Grand finale20th Sep 2022
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Announcement of winners
25th Sep 2022
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Incubation support and Pilot initiation
30th Sep 2022
frequently asked questions
ELIGIBILITY
1. Who can apply for the program?
Techtonic Innovations in Agritech is a search for innovators and entrepreneurs with transformative technologies that address a curated set of challenges faced by the smallholder farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Individuals, group of individuals, social enterprises and start-ups registered in India (whether for-profit or not-for-profit) are eligible to apply for the program.
2. In which category am I eligible to apply?
Applicants are requested to select the most appropriate category based on the Product development stage/technology readiness level of the product. TRL 2 to 5 need to apply to the Product development/EIR Stage Category and TRL 6 onwards need to apply to the Piloting stage category. Please select the category carefully since the application forms will have some unique questions.
Specific eligibility Product development/EIR Stage category:
- TRL 2 – Innovation or Technology Conceptualization/Ideation stage.
- TRL 3 – Proof of Concept stage / Active R&D has been initiated. This includes analytical studies and laboratory studies to physically validate the analytical predictions of separate elements of the technology.
- TRL 4 – Basic technological components have been integrated to establish that they work together.
- TRL 5 – Technology has been put together and can be tested in a simulated environment.
Specific eligibility for Piloting stage category:
- TRL 6 – Prototype is being tested in simulated operational environment or in a high-fidelity laboratory environment.
- TRL 7 – Actual system prototype is near completion or ready and has been demonstrated in an operational environment or is at pilot level.
- TRL 8 – Technology is proven and developed but not yet operational or applied anywhere.
- TRL 9 – Technology has been applied in its final form and is operational.
- Solution is already in market and can be scaled and replicated in Uttar Pradesh & Odisha.
3. What happens if I apply to the wrong category?
In case you apply to the wrong category we will shift you to the right category based on your product’s stage of development. However, you may have missed some questions that had to be answered as a part of the correct category since both the application forms have certain unique questions. So, you are advised to please choose carefully.
4. Is there any preference for an innovation?
Applicants are encouraged to submit applications for technology-based innovations that focus on solving challenges faced by small and marginal farmers of Uttar Pradesh & Odisha. The Innovation may be a product, platform, or service, but must be aligned to the focus areas outlined in the program. There is a preference for technology-based innovations that have a high social impact potential.
5. I am a college student working on a technology. Can I apply for the program?
Yes, you may apply if your technology satisfies the category in Q2. Please note that finalists of the Techtonic Innovations in Agritech will be required to participate in evaluation sessions where they will have to present to the jury. This may require the physical attendance at the convening location and may interfere with college schedules.
6. Can I submit more than one application for different technologies?
Yes, applicants can submit multiple applications, but each application must feature a distinct problem statement/technology/process/innovation. However, in the final decision, only one application (if selected) will be considered per enterprise.
Program Structure
1. How many applications will be selected?
Up to 15 Applications satisfying the focus areas of the Quest will be selected as the final cohort of IAIN (India AgriTech Incubation Network) program. These applications may be across the Product development/EIR stage or Piloting stage category.
2. What is the structure of the program?
The first month of the program is cohort driven. As part of the cohort there will be an orientation launchpad which includes opportunities to attend knowledge sessions and seminars, interact with mentors and experts, and meet potential investors organized by the IAIN ecosystem. Dedicated agri-business experts will map an in-depth incubation plan for the winners. The structure, nature and duration of incubation will vary depending on the winner’s unique needs. Those incubated will be eligible for financial support and/or piloting opportunities subject to successful due diligence.
3. What is the duration of the program?
The program is a typically a 12-24-month long engagement. However, it will vary from case to case based on the needs of the incubatees. Promising Product development/EIR stage start-ups supported will also have the opportunity to move to the Piloting stage, upon successful completion of milestones and may continue to receive incubation support for a longer duration.
4. What are the types of benefits I can avail from the program?
Winners will receive an incubation programme covering one or many of the following depending on their need’s assessment.
- Sandbox facility to test, validate and pilot innovations/projects on the ground in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Odisha
- Access to Social Alpha’s seed investment and / or other funding opportunities; and facilitated access to a large investor and donor network
- Product development support including assistance with designing, rapid prototyping, and design for manufacturing
- Dedicated agri-business experts to assist with business planning, developing go-to-market strategy and overall business advisory
- Mentorship by a set of qualified global and local experts; and curated set of capacity building sessions
- Practical on-the-ground feedback from the farmer community, grassroots non-profits, agriculture experts and corporate and government bodies
- Access to shared office space and amenities at Social Alpha and support services such as accounting, compliance, taxation, legal, IP, etc.
5. Do I have to be physically present for any cohort-based sessions? Is attendance necessary?
As part of the program, there may be a requirement to attend certain sessions in person. The winners will be required attend the orientation launchpad (depending on the pandemic situation). The incubatees will be required to attend relevant workshops, events and demo days during the incubation period physically/virtually depending upon the ongoing pandemic situation. Unless there is a pre-communicated genuine and unavoidable reason for absence, winners/incubatees missing most of the program will not only lose the actual benefits of their selection but may also be reconsidered for continuing with the program.
6. Is the mentoring paid or free?
Mentoring, as part of the continuous engagement with the winners of the Techtonic Innovations in Agritech, will be provided free of charge. Participation in specialized/additional events could be subject to a nominal fee.
7. How frequently will Social Alpha interface with the winners during the program?
There will be regular interface between the winning teams and the implementation team. Each start-up will be allocated a portfolio manager to help with customized requests who will continually and regularly engage with the start-ups.
Funding support
1. What kind of funding support can I avail through the program?
Decided on a case-to-case basis, eligible incubated start-ups will get access to funding for pilot implementation with our partners in Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Eligible incubated start-ups of the Techtonic Innovations in Agritech might be considered for follow-on funding subject to successful due diligence and investment committee approval.
2. Can I find other funding partners for investments?
Yes, the winning start-ups can find other funding partners.
Selection Process
1. What are the important dates to remember during the selection process? By when will the results be announced?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1st August 2022 | Launch of the Program Applications Open |
| 31st August 2022 | Deadline for applications |
| 1st – 15th Sept 2022 | Evaluation and Virtual Interviews |
| 20th September 2022 | Jury round for top 25; Grand finale |
| 25th September 2022 | Announcement of winners |
| 30th September 2022 | Incubation support and pilot initiation |
2. Can I submit my application post deadline?
No, applications submitted post the stated deadline will not be considered for evaluation.
Terms and Conditions
Please read the following terms and conditions before submitting your entry:
ELIGIBILITY
- Participating or proposed ventures should be independent entities, meaning that they should not be a subsidiary of an existing corporation or have legal ties to a government body.
- Existing non-profits can participate; however, they should propose a venturing idea or a plan to transform their existing solutions into a more sustainable solution.
- As the Techtonic is looking for start-ups to work on product development and / or establishing marketing channels for existing products, and not research, only those with developed ideas and/or prototypes should apply.
- The applicant should be a registered company /willing to be registered in India. The shareholding by Indian promoters in the company should be at least 51%.
Submissions and Participation
- Submissions which are incomplete will be deemed void and disqualified from the Techtonic evaluations.
- Submissions should be the original work of the participant/participating entity and should demonstrate positive social or environmental impact, have a disruptive technology innovation with potential to be sustainable and scalable in India (though not exclusively in the region).
- Participants who are determined to be ‘Finalists,’ ranked in the final evaluation stage might be required to send at least one core member for the final round of evaluations (conditional to the current pandemic situation).
- Winners agree to the use of their names, photographs, disclosure of their country of residence; and are required to cooperate with any other reasonable requests by the organiser relating to any publicity-related activities.
- Winners are required to submit a declaration of good standing and solvency at the final stage of evaluation. If there is any change in circumstance that invalidates their good standing and solvency, the team is to immediately inform the organisers.
- All participants own the rights to their ideas. Participants must properly acknowledge any trademarks, patented or copyrighted materials of others that are incorporated into the submission materials. Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary permission before utilizing such materials into their submissions.
- Submitted ideas are protected in the spirit of non-disclosure, and all submitted materials will be treated as company confidential. The only people with access to the entry materials will be evaluators/judges, partners and select members of the organising committee. Materials will not be distributed to any other party unless requested by a participant. No other provisions are made to protect intellectual property.
- Participants are advised not to disclose critical information which would affect a successful filing of patent(s). All presentations are open to the general public, and some presentations may be videotaped. Attendance by media personnel is expected in the final stages of the program. Any data or information discussed or divulged in public sessions by participants should be considered information that will likely enter the public realm, and entrants should not assume any right of confidentiality in any data or information discussed, divulged, or presented in these sessions.
Decisions regarding the winners
- The selection of the ‘Winners’ is at the sole discretion of the judges and the organisers from Social Alpha and partnering organisations. Best efforts will be made to make decisions in accordance with this document.
- Throughout any and all phases of the Quest, all decisions of the judges are final.
Disqualification and Organiser’s Right to Amend Competition Rules
- The organisers of the Techtonic reserve the right to disqualify any participant who is found to have violated the spirit of the Techtonic guidelines and terms and conditions stated herein. Disqualified participants shall forfeit all prizes awarded to them.
- The organisers reserve the right to amend these rules at any point before the Closing Date of the Techtonic in line with the overall goal of the Quest.
- The indicated dates for the Techtonic may be revised at any point of time by the organisers. Any change in schedule will be suitably intimated on the Techtonic webpage and on other relevant platforms.
For any assistance required, please reach out to us at