Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development (IAED)

Brief
It is a flagship initiative by the Government of India launched in 2018-19 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors. It provides financial assistance and incubation support to startups and entrepreneurs for launching and scaling up their business ventures.

Objective
- Foster a culture of innovation in agriculture and allied sectors - Support early-stage agripreneurs by providing training and incubation - Assist in turning ideas/prototypes (MVP) into marketable products and scaling up operations - Create employment opportunities in rural areas - Disseminate new technology and varieties to farmers

Eligibility Criteria
- Entity Registration: Must be a registered legal entity in India (e.g., Private Limited Company, Partnership Firm, LLP)
- DPIIT Recognition: The startup must be recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
- Development Stage:
    i. Pre-Seed Stage: Validated idea/Proof of Concept (PoC)/Prototype ready
    ii. Seed Stage: Minimum Viable Product (MVP) ready for market launch
    iii. Focus Areas: Working in agriculture, allied sectors, food processing, agri-inputs, precision farming, etc.
    iv. Restrictions: Must not have received previous grant-in-aid from state/central government bodies

Benefits
- Idea/Pre-Seed Stage Funding: Up to ₹5 lakh in one installment as a grant-in-aid
- Seed Stage Funding: Up to ₹25 lakh (two installments of 50% each) to MVP stage startups based on recommendation
- Mentorship & Networking: Access to R-ABI facilities for training, mentoring, and technical advice
- Incubation Space: Access to lab and workshop facilities at Knowledge Partners

Nodal Department
Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (DA&FW)