Sowing Innovation, Reaping Impact: Agri Innovation Centre, UAS-Bangalore

Bengaluru: In the heart of Bengaluru's verdant University of Agricultural Sciences Bengaluru(UASB) campus, a quiet yet powerful revolution is taking shape, one innovation at a time. The Agri Innovation Centre (AIC), established in 2017, is a UASB's flagship initiative to incubate and support Agri-startups to drive entrepreneurial energy and advance India's agricultural future.

A beacon for agri-entrepreneurs across the country: Operating under the visionary leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Dr. S.V. Suresha, and executed by Dr. Veena S. Anil, Professor & Coordinator, AIC, along with a dedicated incubation team, the Centre has become a beacon for agri-entrepreneurs across the country.

Ground for bold ideas: This is not just a facility—it is a breeding ground for bold ideas, a launchpad for rural transformation, and a powerhouse of agri-based innovation. As an innovation centre of the University, the focus of the Centre is the social impact it creates by way of its activities and the agri-innovations of the startups.

A platform, resources, and ecosystem to help those ideas take flight: The Centre welcomes a wide range of visionaries—ambitious agriculture graduates, grassroots innovators, progressive farmers, and entrepreneurs alike. Whether one is developing a next-gen biotech product or a solution to empower rural livelihoods, AIC offers the platform, resources, and ecosystem to help those ideas take flight. With strong institutional support from UAS, B and funding support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), DBT, GoI under the BioNEST Scheme, and additional backing from the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (DPIIT), the Centre extends far more than infrastructure—it delivers mentorship, momentum, and access to critical funding opportunities.

Science and entrepreneurship converge: Spread across an expansive 12,500 sq. ft. incubation space, AIC is equipped with a cutting-edge infrastructure facility that startups dream of. The facility includes fully equipped molecular laboratories, an advanced tissue culture facilities, cold room, greenhouses, mist chambers, and a food processing and packaging unit. It also features meeting halls and collaborative interaction zones that foster ideation, networking, and the exchange of ideas. Here, science and entrepreneurship converge, creating an environment where innovation thrives.

Access to top-tier infrastructure and workspaces: The Agri Innovation Centre offers a robust support system for startups at every stage. Entrepreneurs receive access to top-tier infrastructure and workspaces, along with technical and business mentoring from UASB scientists and industry leaders.

Training programs, workshops, and conclaves: The Centre regularly organises training programs, workshops, and conclaves to enhance capacity and skills in agri-business and innovation. In addition, startups are guided through the complex process of securing grants, raising investment, commercialising UASB technologies, and protecting intellectual property through patent and trademark support.

AIC offers three flexible incubation models: Recognising the diverse backgrounds and needs of its innovators, AIC offers three flexible incubation models. Physical incubation provides hands-on access to labs and office spaces; virtual incubation supports remote innovators with digital resources and mentoring; and student incubation empowers young minds—especially UASB students—with tailored space and technical support to turn academic curiosity into entrepreneurial impact.

Reaching more than 18,000 entrepreneurs: The results speak for themselves. So far, AIC has incubated 70 startups, including 25 women-led ventures, and conducted over 60 training and capacity-building programs, reaching more than 18,000 entrepreneurs. The Centre has helped startups to develop 77 innovative technologies, facilitated 11 IP grants, and supported startups in raising over ₹1,211 lakhs in funding.

More than 800 jobs: These startups have gone on to create more than 800 jobs, demonstrating that innovation in agriculture is both transformative and inclusive. Further, Startups incubated at AIC, UASB are actively working across diverse sectors, including Precision Farming, AI-driven Honey Health Management, Waste-to-Wealth Solutions, Biotechnology, Crop Improvement, Biofertilizers, and Millet-based Food Products.

Actively designed, built, and scaled with impact: As India steps confidently into an agri-tech-driven future, AIC, UASB stands at the forefront—empowering grassroots innovations, enabling deep-tech agri startups, and inspiring the next generation of change-makers. At AIC, the future of agriculture is not merely imagined—it is actively designed, built, and scaled with impact.

Here, a seed of an idea blossoms into an innovation in agriculture: If you have an idea that can reshape the way India farms, the Agri Innovation Centre, UASB, is ready to support your journey. Because where innovation grows, India grows. Here, a seed of an idea blossoms into an innovation in agriculture.