India is stepping forward with a bold vision to transform its agri-export ecosystem through creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship. The BHARATI initiative Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation is at the heart of this transformation.
Launched by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), BHARATI is more than an incubation program. It is a national mission to nurture home-grown ideas that can redefine India’s agricultural exports, making them competitive, sustainable, and globally recognized.
A Vision Rooted in Innovation:
India’s agri-food sector is a vital part of the economy, yet challenges like quality standards, export compliance, and limited global access have often restricted its potential. BHARATI addresses these challenges by connecting innovative minds, farmer-producer groups, and technology-driven startups with APEDA’s vision for exports.
Through this initiative, APEDA aims to build a strong pipeline of export-ready innovations, helping India emerge as a global leader in agri-food exports. BHARATI encourages solutions that boost productivity while ensuring compliance with international standards and sustainability goals.
Core Focus Areas of BHARATI:
BHARATI targets three strategic areas:
High-Value and Innovative Agri-Food Products –
Startups and FPCs are encouraged to develop premium products for international markets. Certifications like Global GAP, ISO 22000, HACCP, USDA Organic, and NPOP enhance global competitiveness and create trust among international buyers.
Technology-Led Export Enablement –
Startups can develop digital solutions, smart logistics systems, and advanced supply-chain technologies that improve efficiency, traceability, and transparency in exports.
Solutions for Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Challenges –
Innovators can create solutions to manage food safety, plant, and animal health risks, enabling Indian products to meet global regulatory requirements seamlessly.
Who Can Apply?
BHARATI welcomes startups, Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), and individual innovators working on export-focused agritech or food solutions.
Eligibility includes:
- Turnover below ₹10 crore in any financial year since incorporation.
- Not formed by splitting or reconstructing an existing business.
- Focus on innovation, development, or improvement of products/processes with scalable business potential.
- Applicants providing SPS solutions are not required to meet the formal startup definition.
How to Apply:
The application process is straightforward:
- Check the eligibility criteria for your category — Startup, FPC, or Individual Innovator.
- Fill out the online application form corresponding to your category. Each form has a screening questionnaire; only applicants who meet these criteria can proceed to complete the full application.
- Upload all supporting documents such as registration certificates, PAN, GST details, concept notes, or research summaries, depending on your category.
- Submit the form within the application window.
- After submission, shortlisted applicants are notified and invited to participate in the next stages of the program.
Screening and Cohort Selection:
Applications are reviewed through a screening and shortlisting process. Shortlisted startups then participate in a Business Challenge, where each gets five minutes to pitch their innovation, followed by a five-minute Q&A. The jury evaluates based on feasibility, uniqueness, and export potential. The top 100 ventures are selected for the BHARATI Pilot Cohort.
Selected participants enter a structured acceleration program that includes mentorship, market exposure, and investor engagement, helping them scale their innovations globally.
Benefits of BHARATI:
Participants gain:
- Expert Mentorship from industry professionals.
- Market Linkages with international buyers and trade associations.
- Branding and Packaging Guidance to enhance product appeal.
- Exposure Visits to APEDA-supported facilities like packhouses and testing labs.
- Sustainability Guidance for climate-resilient and ESG-compliant practices.
- Investor Access for funding and scaling opportunities.
Shaping India’s Agri-Innovation Story:
BHARATI is not just an incubation platform; it is a movement toward a resilient, globally recognized Indian agri-export sector. By fostering innovation and collaboration, APEDA equips entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to expand their products internationally.
Through this initiative, India is building a new generation of agri-innovators capable of meeting global demand, enhancing sustainability, and elevating the nation’s presence in international agri-food markets. BHARATI embodies the future of Indian agriculture — innovative, export-ready, and globally competitive.
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