In the heart of India’s burgeoning agricultural innovation landscape, a recent study has shed light on the transformative power of accelerator programs for agri-startups. Published in *Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems*, the research, led by Navyasree Ponnaganti of ICAR- National Institute of Abiotic Stress Management, Baramati, India, offers a comprehensive evaluation of the AGRI UDAAN accelerator program’s impact on participating startups.
The study, which employed a mixed-methods approach including semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, revealed that the AGRI UDAAN program has been a game-changer for many agri-startups. “The program has not only enhanced our entrepreneurial capabilities but also significantly boosted our financial outcomes,” shared one of the startup founders participating in the study.
Using an adapted version of Kirkpatrick’s four-level training evaluation model, the researchers assessed the program’s effectiveness across multiple dimensions—reaction, learning, behavior, and results. The findings were impressive: 85% of participants reported high satisfaction, and 90% demonstrated significant learning and behavioral changes. Moreover, the startups saw a 150% increase in average gross revenue and a staggering 550% rise in funds raised post-program participation.
The study also introduced a composite performance index, which highlighted that sectors like Agri Supply Chain, Agri-Biotechnology, and Agritech achieved values exceeding 0.40, indicating superior outcomes. This index could serve as a valuable tool for future evaluations of similar programs.
Machine learning models, including Random Forest, SVM, and XGBoost, were employed to evaluate the influence of demographic and educational factors on learning and behavioral outcomes. The results validated the predictive role of these attributes in driving behavioral change, offering insights that could inform the design of future accelerator programs.
The commercial impacts of these findings are substantial. By demonstrating the effectiveness of accelerator programs in enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities and financial outcomes, the study provides a roadmap for scaling innovation-led agricultural entrepreneurship. “This research underscores the critical role of accelerator programs in driving growth and innovation in the agriculture sector,” Ponnaganti noted.
As the agriculture sector continues to evolve, the insights from this study could shape the development of future accelerator programs, helping to nurture a new generation of agri-entrepreneurs. The findings also offer valuable guidance for policymakers and ecosystem stakeholders aiming to foster innovation and growth in the agricultural sector.
In an era where technology and innovation are key drivers of progress, this research serves as a testament to the power of accelerator programs in transforming the agricultural landscape. By providing a systematic evaluation of the AGRI UDAAN program, the study not only highlights its successes but also offers a blueprint for future initiatives aimed at empowering agri-startups.