India’s Agritech Revolution Unfolds at Startup MahaKumbh 2025

Startup Mahakumbh kicked off with an unprecedented response, uniting entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to drive India’s startup ecosystem forward. The opening day was packed with engaging panel discussions, insightful masterclasses, and key initiative launches aimed at transforming India’s agritech sector.

Startup Mahakumbh Key Highlights:

Engaging panel discussions on the future of agritech, rural commerce, and investment trends.

• High-impact keynote addresses from industry leaders, including Shaji KV, Chairman, NABARD.
• Impromptu Pitch Competition showcasing cutting-edge agritech innovations.
• Disruptive business models and startups driving agricultural transformation.

The Inaugural Plenary Session: The Future of Agritech & Rural Commerce: Solving Bharat’s $1 Trillion Opportunity set the tone for the event. Shaji KV, Chairman, NABARD, and Vikas Bali, CEO, Intellecap, shared insights into the trends shaping India’s agritech landscape.

Shaji KV noted, "India’s economy is growing at 7%, and rural sector growth is catching up with urban development. Our role is to ensure that the benefits reach farmers, improving their per capita income and integrating them into India’s growth story."

Impromptu Pitch Competition: A Platform for Agritech Innovators

The Impromptu Pitch Competition was a key attraction, giving agritech entrepreneurs a stage to present groundbreaking solutions.

• Everge Agroscience Pvt Ltd won the Aavishkaar Ultimate Agritech Pitch, earning ₹3 lakh.
• Agrolt Solutions Pvt Ltd secured the runner-up position with ₹2 lakh.

Investment Trends in Agritech

The Investor Pitch Session – Business Models Investors Are Betting On – featured insights from Rema Subramanian (Co-founder & Managing Partner, Ankur Capital) and Arpit Agarwal (Investment Partner, Blume Ventures) on investment strategies shaping agritech innovation.

Trailblazing Tales: Agri-Innovations from Sector Disruptors

Top agritech entrepreneurs shared their journeys in the Trailblazing Tales session, featuring:

• Anil Passary, MD, Urvarak Industries Pvt. Ltd.
• Nidhi Pant, Co-founder, S4S Technologies
• Srinivas Karavadi, President, Absolute AG
• Lt Cdr Naveen Nehra (Retd.), Founder, Zestley Organics

Exploring Carbon Markets for Smallholder Farmers

A crucial discussion on Tapping the Carbon Markets for Smallholder Farmers featured:

• Sanchayan Chakraborty, Partner & CEO, Aavishkaar Carbon Platform
• Santosh Kumar Singh, Partner & MD, Intellecap

The session explored how carbon markets can generate new revenue streams for farmers while promoting sustainability.

SBI Foundation’s Strategic Vision on Startups

The SBI Foundation outlined its startup support strategy in SBI Foundation's Strategic Vision on Startups through Innovators for Bharat, featuring Aman Bhaiya, VP & Head of Strategy, SBI Foundation.

Agritech Pavilion: A Showcase of Innovation

The Agritech Pavilion presented cutting-edge solutions in precision agriculture, supply chain optimization, farm mechanization, and climate-smart farming. Key agritech enterprises included:

• AgroStar
• Agrozone Services Pvt. Ltd.
• AquaExchange Agritech Pvt. Ltd.
• Compositech Greensol Pvt. Ltd.
• Dehaat
• Edge Marketing Pvt Ltd
• Heart in Hills Pvt Ltd. (Foreka)
• Marut Dronetech Pvt. Ltd.
• Maxgreen Tractors and Agro Equipments Pvt Ltd
• Vattam Health Foods Private Limited

As Day One wrapped up, the enthusiasm and energy set a high bar for the days ahead. With more impactful discussions, networking opportunities, and major announcements expected, Day Two promises to be just as dynamic.