34 Agri-Tech Startups Pitch for Funding at Bihar Agricultural University’s SABAGRIS Program
Sabour: Thirty-four innovative startup ideas, poised to revolutionize the agriculture sector, took center stage at the Sabour Agri Incubators (SABAGRIS) program held on February 27-28, at Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), Sabour. The two-day event showcased the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in agriculture.
Dr. A.K. Singh, Director Research, BAU, Sabour, and Principal Investigator (PI) of SABAGRIS, chaired the event, emphasizing the university’s dedication to supporting agri-innovators. BAU Vice Chancellor Dr. D.R. Singh lauded the youth’s innovative spirit, stating, “These startups have paved the way for a bright future by combining traditional agricultural knowledge with modern technology.”
Innovation for Economic Prosperity:
The event, which saw a 25% increase in startup submissions compared to the previous year, highlighted the growing enthusiasm for agri-innovation among young entrepreneurs. These startups have the potential to directly benefit around 50,000 farmers, contributing significantly to the rural economy.
Day 1: Showcasing Cutting-Edge Agri-Solutions:
The first day featured 21 startups from Cohorts VI and VII, presenting groundbreaking ideas such as:
- Value-added makhana products for global markets.
- Eco-friendly flavored water and biodegradable agri-plates.
- Cost-effective mushroom spawn production and mini harvesters.
- Automated solar dryers and AI-based veterinary solutions.
Dr. A.K. Singh praised these innovations as “steps towards writing a new chapter of prosperity for rural India.”
Day 2: Agri-Tech Meets Young Entrepreneurship:
The second day showcased 13 startups, including those from the Agri-entrepreneurship and Student Orientation Programs, with ideas like:
- IoT-enabled mushroom farming and underwater drone fisheries.
- Safe food and vegetable checkers and quick delivery systems.
- Digital marketplaces for makhana and indoor saffron cultivation.
- High-nutrient vermicompost solutions for sustainable agriculture.
Expert Guidance and Mentorship:
Eminent experts, including Dr. Ravi Goyal, CEO, NIAM, Jaipur, and Dr. Bikash Sarkar, Principal Scientist, RCER-ICAR, Patna, provided valuable insights and encouragement. BAU, Sabour, will now offer mentorship, networking, and funding support to these startups, helping them transition from idea to commercial reality.
