The Action for India (AFI) Agri Cohort 2025–26 has opened applications for its five-month accelerator program, aimed at supporting early to growth-stage startups in the Indian agricultural sector. The program focuses on startups leveraging technology and sustainable innovation to revolutionize farming and allied sectors. Applications are open until 14 August 2025, with early submissions encouraged for better consideration.
The AFI Agri Cohort targets startups operating in agri-tech, climate-resilient farming, rural livelihoods, food systems, agri-fintech, and related fields. The initiative seeks to foster inclusive, scalable, and technology-driven solutions that can address the challenges faced by India’s agricultural sector.
Program Highlights
The accelerator program offers a range of benefits designed to support and scale participating startups. These include expert mentorship from agri-tech leaders, policy experts, and farmer-focused entrepreneurs. Startups will receive guidance on product development, enhancing technology, operations, and market fit.
Masterclasses will cover critical topics such as funding, climate resilience, agri-markets, and scaling strategies. Participants will also gain access to market linkages through AFI’s network of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), NGOs, and government initiatives. Additionally, startups will receive an agri toolkit containing ready-to-use templates, policy guides, and business planning resources.
One of the key advantages of the program is investor access, providing opportunities to interact with agri-focused venture funds, CSR leaders, and impact investors. This can be instrumental in securing funding and partnerships to scale innovative solutions.
Program Timeline
The AFI Agri Cohort 2025–26 will run from July 2025 to February 2026. The initial phase involves the call for applications and selection process, followed by cohort onboarding and goal-setting at the end of August 2025. The acceleration phase, spanning from September 2025 to January 2026, will include bi-weekly sessions and one-on-one mentorship.
In January 2026, participants will have the opportunity to pitch their solutions to investors, ecosystem enablers, and media during a Demo Day. The program will conclude with a valedictory session in February 2026.
Implications for the Agri-Tech Sector
The AFI Agri Cohort program is poised to make a significant impact on the agri-tech sector in India. By providing a platform for startups to access mentorship, resources, and investor networks, the program aims to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative agricultural solutions. This can contribute to enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the sector.
The program’s focus on technology-driven solutions aligns with the broader trends in the agricultural sector, where digital tools and data analytics are increasingly being used to optimize farming practices. By supporting startups in this space, AFI is helping to build a more robust and innovative agri-tech ecosystem in India.
Moreover, the program’s emphasis on climate-resilient farming and sustainable practices is particularly relevant in the context of climate change and its impact on agriculture. Startups working in these areas can play a crucial role in developing solutions that help farmers adapt to changing environmental conditions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The AFI Agri Cohort 2025–26 program is completely free and requires a time commitment of 3–4 hours per week. There are no fees or equity commitments, making it accessible to promising startups across the country. This approach ensures that financial constraints do not hinder the participation of innovative and impactful startups.
By fostering a collaborative environment, AFI aims to create a platform where innovators can access knowledge, networks, and resources to scale their solutions. This can help transform India’s agriculture sector, making it more efficient, sustainable, and resilient.