ENA Sectors 2024-10-15 15:29:13 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>Bengaluru, Oct 15 (KNN)</strong> The SBI Foundation, in collaboration with Villgro, unveiled its new Innovators for Bharat portfolio, highlighting 14 cutting-edge agri-tech startups that aim to transform Indian agriculture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The launch event, hosted at the Bangalore International Centre, attracted senior officials from SBI Foundation, Villgro, NABKISAN, and other industry stakeholders, including investors, CSR leaders, and channel partners.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Sanjay Prakash, MD and CEO of SBI Foundation, emphasised the initiative's objective of fostering innovative technologies that will enhance the incomes and sustainability of smallholder farmers.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">We aim to develop tech solutions from these start-ups, ultimately improving the income of smallholder farmers and making their businesses more profitable and sustainable, Prakash said during the launch.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The programs portfolio includes 14 startups addressing diverse agricultural challenges. Startups like Bharat Rohan, Marut Drones, and GreyMatter (Upaz) focus on reducing post-harvest losses, while others, such as Carbon Masters and Raheja Solar, are pioneering solutions to tackle carbon emissions and create value from agricultural waste.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Prominent among the recognized startups were Navork Innovations, Krimanshi, RuKart, and E-Feed, each contributing innovative solutions aimed at improving profitability and sustainability in agriculture.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The initiative seeks to impact 10,000 individuals, promote sustainable farming practices across 60,000 acres, and prevent the emission of 15,000 tonnes of CO2 over the next two years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The financial architecture of the program involves an initial investment of Rs 3.25 crore from SBI Foundation. Maithili Rege, Associate Lead, Agriculture &amp; Climate Action at Villgro, announced that NABKISAN, the NBFC partner, would unlock nearly Rs 3 crore in catalytic capital, bringing the total fund availability for the startups to Rs 6 crore.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Under the collaborative framework, SBI Foundation provides not just funding but also access to a network of financial institutions for mentorship, while Villgro ensures technical support, market linkages, and field trials with the help of civil service organisations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This comprehensive support is designed to enable startups to scale rapidly and create meaningful environmental and social impact.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Innovators for Bharat is a flagship initiative of SBI Foundation, reflecting its commitment to fostering indigenous innovations in critical areas like agriculture, climate resilience, health-tech, fintech, and technology for good.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">This partnership with Villgro empowers social entrepreneurs to transform Indian agriculture, enhancing profitability, promoting nutrition, and driving sustainability.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The program reinforces SBI Foundation's mission to accelerate social innovation and tackle pressing challenges through indigenous, impactful solutions.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px"><em><strong>(KNN Bureau)</strong></em></span></p> 39598 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/sectors/sbi-foundation-and-villgro-launch-innovators-for-bharat-to-empower-agri-tech-startups 2024-10-15 15:29:13 knnindia.co.in