Theviksha. A – 3rd year Student

    The air in Hyderabad was alive with innovation and I, the 3rd year student of Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture, was right in the middle of it. As a participant in the MANAGE Agri-Eureka 2025 competition, I spent five days at the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), a leading Government of India Institute in Agri-innovation. This wasn’t just a competition; it was an incredible journey that transformed my idea into a viable business plan.

The competition, organized by MANAGE’s Centre for Innovation and Agripreneurship (CIA), headed by Dr. Saravanan Raj (Director of MANAGE-CIA) is a national-level platform for early-stage Agri-startups. Out of 313 applicants, my team and 85 others were shortlisted for the preliminary round. After an intense online presentation, 37 teams were selected for a five-day mentoring and evaluation session, and we were among the 22 teams that made it to the next stage.

The first two days were a whirlwind of learning. We attended masterclasses on design thinking, product development, and business modelling. Experts taught us how to craft a solid business plan, devise effective marketing strategies, and understand the nuances of intellectual property rights and investment planning. The sessions on preparing a pitch deck were invaluable as we got ready for the semi-final round.

A major highlight was the chance to connect with the finalists of Agri-Eureka 2024. Hearing their stories of success and struggle gave us a tangible sense of what it takes to succeed. This, combined with the expert guidance, helped us refine our ideas and business plans.

Day three was the semi-final presentation. It was a nerve-wracking yet exhilarating experience to present our vision to the judges. Afterward, we had the opportunity to explore Hyderabad’s vibrant start-up ecosystem with a visit to the IIMR Nutri-Hub and T-hub.

The hard work paid off. I was among the nine teams shortlisted for the Grand Final. It was an honour to have our idea recognized as one with high potential. The competition culminated in the finals, where I was thrilled to secure second place. This achievement validated months of hard work and solidified my belief in the potential of our idea.

My time at MANAGE Agri-Eureka 2025 was truly transformative. It ignited my passion for Agri-innovation and equipped me with the tools and network to turn my ideas into reality. This platform didn’t just award a prize; it gave us the confidence and resources to become future leaders in the Agri-start-up ecosystem. My journey is a testament to the fact that with the right support, innovative ideas can be planted and nurtured for a brighter, more sustainable agricultural future.