NaaViC Agri-Business Incubation Centre Hosts State-Level Incubator Conclave in Bengaluru

The NaaViC Agri-Business Incubation Centre, part of the ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI), held a significant State-Level Incubator Conclave on May 17, 2024 in Yelahanka, Bengaluru. The event brought together 33 incubators from across Karnataka to discuss and enhance the implementation of flagship programs spearheaded by both the Central and State governments. The Karnataka Science and Technology Academy in Yelahanka served as the venue for this pivotal gathering.

The conclave was attended by Dr. S. Devarajan, President of the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), and Dr. B. R. Gulati, Director of ICAR-NIVEDI. Their participation underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in driving innovation within the agricultural sector.

Key industry partners, including representatives from the BCIC and K-Tech from the Government of Karnataka, actively participated in the discussions. NaaViC, a leading incubator in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, has been instrumental in executing the RKVY-RAFTAAR program. This initiative, under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is conducted in collaboration with the ICAR-National Agricultural Innovation Fund’s Agri-Business Incubator.

The conclave's agenda centered on leveraging the Triple Helix Model, which emphasizes the synergy between industries, governments, and academic institutions to foster innovation. India, currently ranking third in the global startup ecosystem, is poised to harness local resources and develop cutting-edge technologies to address global challenges. Karnataka’s incubators, armed with 5-10 years of collective experience, are preparing to make significant impacts over the next decade by fostering the right talent and establishing a robust support system for startups.

Efforts during the conclave focused on streamlining support mechanisms for startups, incubators, venture capitalists, and industry partners. Emphasis was placed on resource optimization and enhancing operational efficiency through cross-domain collaborations. These collaborations aim to bridge existing gaps in basic science, technology refinement, market trials, and pilot project reach.

Looking forward, the initiative seeks to ensure the sustainability of technologies developed within incubators, contingent upon the establishment of effective synergies between industry and government bodies. With the right support and collaboration, these technologies are expected to thrive, providing innovative solutions to pressing agricultural challenges.