National science agency, CSIRO, is calling for applications to join the latest cohort in the India Australia Rapid Innovation Startup Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. This round is inviting start-ups and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with innovative agritech solutions to apply. The program is designed to support businesses wanting to expand between the two countries.
RISE is a partnership between CSIRO and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog India’s flagship initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship.
It was launched in 2023 to support start-ups and SMEs validate, adapt, and pilot their technologies in new markets. The program also facilitates connections with potential partners and customers to boost their chances of success in the new market.
CSIRO RISE Accelerator program director, Tamara Ogilvie, said participants would be competitively selected based on how scalable, deployable, and innovative their agritech solutions are for the alternate country.
RISE’s Climate Smart Agritech cohort will start in October and focus on businesses with technologies and solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of growing climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity.
The program is particularly interested in startups and SMEs with solutions that prioritise farmer needs, priorities, and on-farm practices.
“Through the program, participants will have the opportunity to rapidly integrate into overseas innovation ecosystems they might otherwise not have access to, helping them achieve product-market fit for their technologies.
“Our agricultural contexts share some commonalities, but the scale of farming operations and farmer livelihoods are very unique,” Ogilvie said.
Over the course of nine months, participants benefit from both self-paced online and in-person learning sessions, including in-country travel to gain deeper market insights. They also receive one-on-one coaching and mentorship from industry professionals throughout the program.
Givvalbe co-founder and RISE Circular Economy Cohort participant, Naomi Vowels, said the program’s immersion weeks – one week of intensive learning, site visits, and networking in both countries – were particularly valuable.
“Travelling to India has reinforced the immense value of face-to-face interactions. It’s a fantastic way for us, as an Australian business, to understand our market and connect with our customers,” Ogilvie said.
Established under the Australian Government’s India Economic Strategy 2022, the RISE Accelerator addresses global challenges with a focus on climate and environmental issues.
The program’s latest round seeks novel solutions to tackle critical agricultural challenges, including boosting productivity, reducing emissions and optimising natural resource use.
CSIRO Ag2050 program lead, Dr Rose Roche, said continuous innovation is crucial for profitable, productive, and sustainable farming systems into the future.
“To support national economies and farmer livelihoods, we need to develop and scale innovative solutions in land use and food security that are suited to our changing climate and growing global population.
“Fostering collaboration and supporting startups and SMEs to accelerate their solutions can play a critical role in this regard, as their agility and creativity often lead to groundbreaking solutions,” Roche said.
There is no charge for startups to participate in the program, with a number of opportunities to travel between Australia and India. Participating startups may also be eligible for up to $75,000 in non-equity grants.
Applications for the RISE Accelerator program close on Sunday 15 September 2024. An information session will be held on 28 August.
