AAU Launches Non-Profit Firm to Promote Agri-Startups

The facility offers several amenities, including co-working spaces for setting up their business, eight pilot plants for food processing to facilitate product development, administrative support, access to office equipment, AAU’s testing laboratories, and a network of skilled mentors and advisors.

Anand Agricultural University (AAU) has recently established a non-profit organization called AAU Incubation Centre (AIC Anand) to promote innovation in agriculture and support the growth of new agricultural startups in Gujarat.

AAU vice-chancellor Dr. K B Kathiria stated, "AAU has been a staunch supporter of agri-entrepreneurs and has successfully nurtured over 100 startups through its various programs. To further consolidate its efforts, the organization has established a not-for-profit entity, which will serve as a pivotal point for all its innovation and entrepreneurship support activities. The primary objective of this initiative is to develop a sustainable startup ecosystem that can enable numerous budding entrepreneurs to transform their innovative ideas into viable products and scalable businesses. This move is a significant milestone for AAU, and it will facilitate the creation of an enabling environment that can empower more entrepreneurs in the years to come."

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As per his statement, 'AIC Anand' is a unique enterprise initiated by a state agriculture university. Its primary objective is to foster new and innovative startups that concentrate solely on enhancing food, agriculture, and associated industries.

An incubation facility, covering an extensive area of 12,000 square feet, has been established to assist startups during their initial developmental stages. The facility offers several amenities, including co-working spaces for setting up their business, eight pilot plants for food processing to facilitate product development, administrative support, access to office equipment, AAU’s testing laboratories, and a network of skilled mentors and advisors.

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He further stated, "The company aims to offer training programs for aspiring entrepreneurs, including students, startups, and farmer-producer organizations, with a focus on agribusiness. Through these programs, the company seeks to provide the necessary resources and support to launch new agri-ventures."

"AIC Anand" is involved in several national startup programs, such as the RKVY-RAFTAAR Agri-Business Incubator (RKVY RABI) by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of the Government of India, as well as the state startup support schemes of Gujarat government. These programs offer startups the chance to secure seed funding in the form of grants-in-aid of up to Rs 30 lakh, presenting a valuable opportunity for these businesses.

-TOI

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