ENA Sectors 2024-08-20 15:55:28 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Aug 20 (KNN)</strong> The India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator, a joint initiative between Australia's CSIRO and India's Atal Innovation Mission, has opened applications for its inaugural cohort.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The program aims to support start-ups and MSMEs developing solutions for agricultural resilience and productivity in the face of climate challenges.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The nine-month accelerator will select 12-18 companies, evenly split between India and Australia, offering free mentorship, market insights, and networking opportunities.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Participants will engage in a blend of online and in-person sessions, including immersion weeks in both countries.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Tamara Ogilvie, Program Director, CSIRO, highlighted the shared agricultural challenges between India and Australia, emphasising the program's goal to help participants achieve product-market fit across diverse markets.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The accelerator will prioritise enterprises focusing on farmer needs and on-farm practices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Selected companies may be eligible for non-equity grants of up to Rs 45 Lakhs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Pramit Dash fr0m the Atal Innovation Mission stressed the accelerator's role in addressing immediate agricultural challenges while promoting resilient practices tailored to specific farmer needs.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This initiative aligns with India's recent efforts to promote sustainable agriculture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">In 2023, the government launched the National Mission on Natural Farming to support chemical-free farming practices.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">As of February 2024, the program had sanctioned 409,000 hectares and released Rs 70.13 crore for natural farming initiatives across eight states.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The RISE Accelerator represents a significant step in bilateral cooperation between India and Australia in the agricultural technology sector, aiming to foster innovation and sustainable farming practices in both nations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 39007 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/india-australia-rise-initiative-targets-agri-tech-start-ups-with-grants-and-mentorship 2024-08-20 15:55:28 knnindia.co.in