BHARATI – Bharat's HUB for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation

About APEDA's BHARATI Initiative

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) proudly presents BHARATI – Bharat's HUB for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement, and Incubation for Export Innovation. This pioneering initiative is a cornerstone of India’s ambition to revolutionize its agricultural and processed food export sector. BHARATI is designed to foster innovation, enhance sustainability, and elevate global competitiveness by nurturing agritech and agri-food startups, as well as export-enabling technology and service providers. As APEDA’s flagship program, BHARATI aims to propel India towards its ambitious target of achieving $50 billion in agri-food export revenue by 2030, addressing critical gaps in industry-led incubation and export enablement and contributing to the "Make in India for the World" vision.

Vision

The BHARATI Initiative is APEDA’s flagship program to propel India towards its $50 billion agri-food export target by 2030, addressing the critical absence of industry or government-led incubation programs for export enablement in agriculture and allied sector. BHARATI is envisioned as a transformative platform to create a robust, sustainable ecosystem for export-driven agricultural innovation. It aims to foster scalable, export-focused agri-food, meat, and technology startups. By launching an acceleration initiative targeted at high-potential startups, BHARATI seeks to overcome export challenges such as new product development, quality assurance, perishability, logistics, and compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) standards. The initiative is committed to establishing a scalable, replicable model for export growth, positioning Indian agricultural and processed food products as global benchmarks for quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Objective of the Initiative

The BHARATI initiative is driven by the following objectives, designed to transform India’s agri-food export sector:

1. Build a Robust Ecosystem for Export Enablement: Create a collaborative platform that integrates technology-driven solutions, such as blockchain for traceability, IoT-enabled cold chains, and agri-fintech, to address critical export barriers like quality control, logistics, and regulatory compliance.
2. Promote Innovation in Agri-Food Products: Encourage the development of high-value and innovative food products, including GI-tagged, organic, and novel by-products, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance productivity, shelf-life, and sustainability for global markets.
3. Foster Synergies Among Stakeholders: Facilitate partnerships between agri-food startups, technology providers, and service-oriented companies to drive innovation, enhance export readiness, and create integrated solutions for global competitiveness.
4. Nurture Startups and Entrepreneurs: Provide a supportive ecosystem with mentorship, resources, and infrastructure to empower startups and entrepreneurs to innovate, scale, and compete effectively in international markets.
5. Ensure Cost-Effective Solutions: Develop affordable and scalable technologies and processes to improve export efficiency, reduce operational costs, and address challenges like perishability and wastage.
6. Enhance Resilience Through Sustainable Practices: Promote climate-smart and sustainable agricultural practices to build resilience against economic volatility, environmental challenges, and fluctuating global market dynamics.
7. Strengthen Export Competitiveness: Enable the creation of export-ready products by improving quality standards, traceability, and adherence to international regulations, such as WTO SPS and TBT standards, to meet global market requirements.
8. Drive Export Growth: Accelerate a pilot cohort of 25 startups (15 product-based and 10 tech/service providers) to develop high-value, innovative agri-food products and solutions, contributing to APEDA’s goal of achieving $50 billion in export revenue by 2030.
9. Expand Global Market Access: Facilitate entry into new international markets and strengthen existing ones through strategic branding, market-specific solutions, and participation in global trade platforms.
10. Establish a Scalable Incubation Model: Create a replicable, biannual incubation and acceleration program to sustain long-term export growth, refining the model based on insights from the pilot cohort to align with APEDA’s 2030 vision.

Focus Areas

BHARATI targets APEDA’s high-priority sectors and technology-led solutions to drive export enablement:

• High-Priority Sectors for Developing High-Value and Innovative Products for the Export Market:
  • Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • Rice and Specialty Grains (including GI-tagged products)
  • Cereals, Millets, and Value-Added Foods
  • Dairy and Animal Products
  • Confectionery, Fresh, and Processed Foods
  • Organic and Natural Food Products
  • Traditional and Convenience Foods (Pickles, Papad, Ready-to-Eat)
  • Innovative Processed Foods (milled, canned, frozen, fortified, etc.)
• High-Value Products:
  • High-value products are premium offerings across APEDA priority categories that achieve elevated market prices due to exceptional quality, health advantages, targeted niche appeal, or specialized certifications, thereby boosting export profitability and competitiveness. These products are designed to meet the demands of discerning consumers or specific regional markets, distinguished by unique attributes that set them apart from conventional products.
• Innovative Products:
  • Innovative products are offerings across APEDA priority categories that (1) introduce new-to-market products, (2) create new product categories or use cases through novel applications of agri-produce, horticulture, or related inputs, or (3) integrate advanced technologies, processes, or packaging to address export challenges (e.g., shelf life, quality, compliance). These products leverage cutting-edge food technology to deliver groundbreaking advancements, enhancing export readiness, sustainability, and market differentiation.
• Technology-Led Export Enablement Areas:
  • Digital Marketplaces and Traceability Solutions
  • Cold Chain Systems, IoT Monitoring, and Post-Harvest Technologies
  • Quality Control and Non-Tariff Barrier (NTB) Digitization
  • Agri-Fintech, Export Credit, and Risk Mitigation Solutions
  • Sustainable and ESG-Compliant Packaging
  • Shelf Life Enhancement and Perishability Management
  • Wastage Management
• Strengthening the idea-to-execution pipeline
• Aiding development of robust go-to-market (GTM) and operational strategies
• Enhancing investibility and enabling startups to be funding-ready
• Improving market access, linkages and understanding of the global market dynamics
• Ensuring export readiness through packaging, branding, quality, safety, and compliance
• Promoting sustainability and GI-linked product storytelling
• Leveraging technology to enhance the reach of traditional Indian products
• Addressing logistics and supply chain challenges through cost-effective solutions

Through the BHARATI Initiative, APEDA also seeks to Address Startup Challenges by:

Eligibility for Participation

The BHARATI initiative welcomes a diverse range of participants committed to advancing India’s agritech and export ecosystem. Eligible participants include:

• Agri-Food Startups: Early-stage and established startups focusing on innovative, high-value products designed for export or aiming to enter export markets.
• Technology and Service Providers: Companies offering export-enabling solutions, such as traceability, logistics, or compliance technologies.
• Farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Individuals or groups adopting technology-driven practices to produce export-quality agricultural products.
• Exporters: APEDA-registered exporters seeking to innovate or expand their product portfolios in international markets.
• Research Institutions and Universities: Entities engaged in agricultural research and development to create scalable, export-focused solutions.
• Cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Community-driven organizations working on agricultural or food processing initiatives.
• Individual Innovators and Entrepreneurs: Visionaries with ideas or prototypes that can transform the agricultural export sector.

Key Selection Criteria

• Indian Registration: All participating entities must be registered and incorporated in India under applicable laws, such as the Companies Act, 2013, and/or other relevant statutes, ensuring alignment with national regulatory frameworks.
• Export Focus: Participants must demonstrate a clear intent to create products or solutions specifically designed for international markets, with a focus on export-oriented agricultural and food products or technology-driven solutions that enhance global market competitiveness.
• High-Value or Innovative Agri-Food Products: Participants should be focused on developing high-value or innovative agricultural and food products, with an emphasis on the following:
  • High-Value Products: Premium offerings across APEDA priority categories that command elevated market prices due to exceptional quality, health benefits, niche market appeal, or specialized certifications (e.g., Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged, organic, or compliant with global quality standards such as ISO, HACCP, or FSSC 22000). These products are designed to meet the demands of discerning consumers or specific regional markets, enhancing export profitability and competitiveness.
  • Innovative Products: New-to-market products, novel product categories, or use cases created through unique applications of agri-produce, horticulture, or related inputs. This includes:
    • Products developed as by-products to maximize the value of agricultural produce (e.g., utilizing agricultural waste or secondary outputs for value-added products).
    • Products that extend the maximum usage of agri-produce, promoting resource efficiency and sustainability.
    • Integration of advanced technologies or processes to address export challenges such as shelf life, quality, or compliance, ensuring alignment with global market requirements.
  • Organic and Sustainable Products: Products that prioritize organic production methods, sustainability, and environmental responsibility, with a strong emphasis on GI-tagged products that highlight India’s unique agricultural heritage, aligning with global demand for eco-friendly and ethically produced goods.
• Solutions for Export Challenges: Technology and service providers must offer solutions that address specific export-related challenges, including but not limited to:
  • Sea Protocol and Logistics: Solutions to optimize sea freight protocols, streamline supply chain logistics, and address transportation challenges for perishable goods to ensure efficient delivery to international markets.
  • Cold Storage and Perishability: Technologies to enhance cold chain infrastructure, IoT-based monitoring, and post-harvest management to extend shelf life and reduce perishability-related losses.
  • SPS and TBT Compliance: Tools to ensure compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) standards, including quality control, certification processes, and documentation for global regulatory adherence.
  • Market Access: Digital marketplaces, traceability solutions, and branding strategies to overcome barriers to international market entry and strengthen global presence, including solutions for understanding market-specific regulatory and consumer requirements.
  • New Product Development: Innovations in product formulation, processing, or packaging to create export-ready products that meet global standards, including advanced packaging solutions to ensure product safety, sustainability, and compliance with international regulations.
  • Export Infrastructure: Solutions to address gaps in export infrastructure, such as packhouses, testing laboratories, or sustainable packaging, to support seamless export operations.
  • Monitoring, Quality Control, and Compliance: Technologies like blockchain for traceability, IoT for real-time monitoring, and digitization of non-tariff barriers (NTB) to ensure quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
  • Demand Forecasting and Management: Tools and analytics to predict international market demand, optimize supply chain planning, and manage inventory to align with global market trends and consumer preferences.
  • Waste Management: Technologies and processes to minimize agricultural and food processing waste, promote circular economy principles, and create value from by-products, enhancing sustainability and cost-efficiency.
  • Finance and Fintech Solutions for Exports: Agri-fintech solutions, including export credit facilitation, risk mitigation tools, and financial platforms to support exporters in managing cash flow, securing trade finance, and navigating international payment systems.

Programme Structure

The BHARATI initiative follows a structured, multi-phase approach to support participants from ideation to market entry. The pilot cohort will run from July 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026 (dates subject to change).

1. Application Window (July 15–30, 2025):
   • Invite applications from startups in APEDA’s scheduled products and tech-enabled export solutions.
   • Target shortlisting 100 candidates for the pilot cohort.
2. Screening and Shortlisting (August 1–30, 2025):
   • Evaluate applications using a 15-point framework assessing innovation, scalability, export readiness, and compliance.
3. Hackathon and Cohort Selection (September 1–15, 2025):
   • Host a 3-hour hackathon in Delhi to select 25 startups (15 product-based, 10 tech/service providers).
   • Evaluation by APEDA, Blue Helion, and industry experts.
4. Structured Acceleration (September 15–December 15, 2025):
   • Deliver a tailored acceleration program focusing on:
     • Product development for export markets
     • Technology and services for export enablement
     • Export readiness, regulatory compliance, market access strategies, governance, risk management, and fundraising
   • Provide mentorship, workshops, and training on technology adoption, export regulations, and market trends.
   • Support prototype development and proof-of-concept solutions.
5. Investor Outreach (January 1–February 15, 2026):
   • Collaborate with DPIIT and stakeholders for investor roadshows.
   • Connect pilot cohort startups with venture capitalists to secure funding.

Additional Support Mechanisms

• Knowledge Sharing:
  • Access to mentorship from industry leaders and agritech experts.
  • Workshops on export regulations, market trends, and technology adoption.
  • Guidance for developing prototypes and proof-of-concept solutions.
• Infrastructure Support:
  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities, including packhouses, cold storage, and testing laboratories.
  • Collaboration with APEDA’s network of accredited certification bodies and labs.
• Market Linkages:
  • Assistance in connecting with international buyers and trade associations.
  • Opportunities to participate in global trade fairs and APEDA-organized export promotion events.
• Monitoring and Evaluation:
  • Regular progress tracking and performance evaluation to ensure project success.
  • Feedback loops to refine innovations and align with market demands.

How to Apply

The BHARATI program is open to both APEDA and non-APEDA members. To participate, follow these steps:

1. Register with APEDA:
   • Obtain a valid Registration-cum-Membership-Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA. New applicants, including food producers aligned with APEDA’s scheduled products and export-enabling technology/service providers, can register via the APEDA website.
2. Submit Application:
   • Complete the BHARATI application form on the APEDA portal, specifying whether you are applying as a product-based startup or a technology/service provider.
   • Include a detailed project proposal outlining objectives, timeline, and expected outcomes.
3. Provide Supporting Documents:
   • Copy of Import-Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (if applicable).
   • Company Registration Details.
   • MSME Registration Number (if applicable).
   • GST and PAN details.
   • Audited or provisional financials for FY 2024–25.
   • Promoter profile.
4. Review and Approval:
   • Applications will be reviewed by the BHARATI committee, with selected participants notified within 30 days.

Link to Application Process: Apply for BHARATI Initiative

• LINK FOR AGRI-FOOD STARTUP

• LINK FOR EXPORT ENABLING TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES STARTUPs

Benefits of the Programme

Participants in the BHARATI initiative will gain access to a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to drive export success:

• Ideation and Incubation:
  • Mentorship from industry experts and agritech leaders.
  • Workshops and training on product development, export regulations, and market trends.
  • Strategic inputs for export enablement and prototype development.
• Infrastructure Support:
  • Access to APEDA-supported facilities, including packhouses, cold storage, and testing laboratories.
  • Collaboration with accredited certification bodies for quality and compliance.
  • Support for feasibility studies, trial shipments, and certifications.
• Investor Access:
  • Opportunities to pitch to investors during investor roadshows.
  • Connections with venture capitalists to secure funding for scaling operations.
• Market Linkages:
  • Assistance in connecting with international buyers and trade associations.
  • Participation in global trade fairs and APEDA-organized export promotion events.
• Brand and Market Enhancement:
  • Support for branding, packaging, and storytelling for GI-linked and sustainable products.
  • Access to APEDA’s promotional campaigns and database upgrades.
• Sustainability and Resilience:
  • Tools and resources to adopt climate-resilient and ESG-compliant practices.
  • Guidance on improving product shelf-life, quality, and compliance with international standards.
• Access for Export-Enabling Technology and Service Companies:
  • Opportunities to collaborate with APEDA’s network of agri-food producers to test and implement their products and services, fostering innovation and export readiness.

Terms and Conditions

1. Eligibility and Registration:
   • All participating entities must be duly registered and incorporated in India under applicable laws, including the Companies Act, 2013, or other relevant statutes.
   • Participants must obtain a valid Registration-cum-Membership-Certificate (RCMC) from APEDA prior to or during the application process, as applicable, to ensure alignment with export-focused objectives.
   • Non-APEDA members must apply for RCMC under the appropriate category (e.g., food producers or export-enabling technology/service providers) as a prerequisite for participation.
2. Export Focus:
   • The core focus of the BHARATI program is export enablement. Participants must demonstrate a clear commitment to developing products, services, or solutions that align with international market requirements and exhibit export potential.
3. Application and Participation Costs:
   • Participants shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of applications, including any applicable fees, documentation, or professional services required.
   • Selected participants are responsible for all expenses related to attending the hackathon, including but not limited to travel, accommodation, meals, and incidental costs.
   • Participants must arrange their own technological and infrastructural resources (e.g., internet access, devices) to participate in the online incubation/acceleration program.
4. Program Participation Requirements:
   • The incubation/acceleration program is delivered online, and APEDA will publish a detailed calendar of sessions and activities in advance.
   • Full attendance and active participation in all mandatory online sessions are required to qualify for the issuance of a completion certificate from APEDA.
   • Each participating entity may nominate a maximum of two representatives, including the owner or founder, to participate in the program, and their details must be submitted during the application process.
5. Program Completion and Certification:
   • A completion certificate will be issued only to participants who fulfill all mandatory requirements, including full attendance in online sessions and compliance with program deliverables.
   • The certificate is a recognition of program completion and does not confer any legal, commercial, or preferential rights for APEDA schemes or benefits.
6. Post-Program Obligations:
   • Participants who successfully complete the program are expected to provide periodic updates to APEDA on their export-related progress for a period of one year post-program, as part of program impact assessment.
   • Failure to comply with post-program reporting requirements may affect eligibility for future APEDA programs or support.
7. Accuracy and Integrity of Information:
   • Applicants must provide accurate, complete, and truthful information in all application materials and supporting documents submitted to APEDA.
   • Submission of false, misleading, or incomplete information will result in immediate disqualification from the program and may lead to further action as per APEDA’s policies.
8. Disclosure of Legal and Compliance Status:
   • Applicants must provide full and accurate disclosure of any ongoing or past civil, criminal, or compliance-related cases involving their entity or key personnel prior to onboarding in the program.
   • Failure to disclose such information or the discovery of undisclosed legal issues may result in disqualification and potential debarment from APEDA programs.
9. Background Verification and Due Diligence:
   • APEDA reserves the right to conduct background verification and due diligence checks on applicants and their entities to ensure compliance with program requirements and ethical standards.
   • Applicants must consent to such verification processes and provide any additional information or documentation requested by APEDA for this purpose.
10. Ownership and Use of Submitted Information:
    • All information, documents, and materials submitted during the application process will become the property of APEDA and may be used for program-related purposes, including evaluation, promotion, reporting, or other activities in accordance with APEDA’s standard policies.
    • Participants grant APEDA a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use submitted materials for the purposes of the BHARATI initiative and related promotional activities.
11. Data Privacy and Usage:
    • By participating, applicants consent to APEDA collecting, storing, processing, and sharing participant information with program partners  for evaluation, investor outreach, or other program-related purposes, subject to confidentiality obligations.
12. Confidentiality and Intellectual Property:
    • Participants are solely responsible for protecting their intellectual property rights and ensuring that their submissions do not infringe on the rights of third parties.
    • APEDA will take reasonable measures to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information provided by participants but is not liable for disclosures made for program purposes (e.g., evaluation or investor outreach) or unintended disclosures during the program.
13. Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure:
    • Participants agree not to use information, resources, or connections gained through the BHARATI program to Engage in activities that directly compete with or undermine the objectives of APEDA or other participants during the program duration.
    • Participants must sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with APEDA, if required, to protect sensitive program-related information shared during the initiative.
14. Compliance with Laws and Regulations:
    • Participants must comply with all applicable national and international laws, including but not limited to those governing exports, intellectual property, data protection, and trade practices.
    • Participants are responsible for ensuring their products and services meet WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) standards, as well as other international regulatory requirements.
    • APEDA may provide advisory on compliance and regulatory requirements, but participants must arrange and bear the costs of achieving compliance independently.
15. Ethical Conduct and Fair Practices:
    • Participants must adhere to fair trade practices and ethical conduct throughout the program, refraining from activities that could harm the reputation of APEDA, the BHARATI initiative, or other participants.
    • Any engagement in unfair trade practices, unethical behavior, or misrepresentation will result in immediate disqualification and potential legal consequences.
16. Media and Public Communications:
    • Participants shall not engage in media interactions, press releases, or social media promotions related to their participation in the BHARATI program without prior written approval from APEDA.
    • Participants must refrain from disseminating negative, defamatory, or misleading messages about the program, APEDA, or its partners, whether through media, social media, or other public platforms.
17. Use of APEDA Branding:
    • Participants may not use APEDA’s logo, branding, or name in any promotional materials, products, or communications without prior written approval from APEDA.
    • Unauthorized use of APEDA’s branding may result in disqualification and legal action, as applicable.
18. Funding and Financial Assistance:
    • APEDA does not guarantee or provide direct funding, grants, or financial assistance to participants under the BHARATI program.
    • While APEDA may facilitate connections with investors on a best-effort basis, securing funding or investment is the sole responsibility of the participants, and APEDA does not assure or guarantee any funding outcomes.
19. No Automatic Availment of Government Schemes:
    • Participation in the BHARATI program does not entitle participants to automatic access to any government schemes, benefits, funding, or grants provided by APEDA or other governmental bodies.
    • Any application for additional schemes or benefits must be pursued independently by participants, subject to the respective eligibility criteria and processes.
20. Indicative Nature of Program Information:
    • All information provided by APEDA regarding the BHARATI program, including but not limited to timelines, program structure, and support mechanisms, is indicative and provided on a best-intent basis.
    • Such information does not represent a guarantee of adequacy, comprehensiveness, or accuracy, and APEDA cannot be held accountable for any discrepancies or changes.
21. No Liability for Program Information:
    • APEDA shall not be held accountable for any losses, damages, or claims arising from reliance on program-related information, including but not limited to details about schedules, resources, or opportunities provided during the BHARATI initiative.
    • Participants are responsible for independently verifying information and making informed decisions based on their own due diligence.
22. Participant Conduct During Program:
    • Participants must maintain professional conduct during all program activities, including interactions with APEDA, program partners, mentors, and other participants, and must avoid actions that could disrupt the program or harm its reputation.
    • Any behavior deemed inappropriate by APEDA may result in immediate disqualification and potential exclusion from future APEDA initiatives.
23. Selection and Discretion:
    • The shortlisting, selection, and participation of startups or entities in the BHARATI program are at the sole discretion of APEDA, and all decisions are final and binding.
    • APEDA is not obligated to provide reasons or justifications for the rejection, non-selection, or disqualification of any applicant.
24. Program Modifications:
    • APEDA reserves the absolute right to modify the program structure, timelines, selection criteria, or any other aspect of the BHARATI initiative at its sole discretion, with or without prior notice to participants.
    • All dates mentioned in the program, including but not limited to application windows, hackathon, acceleration phases, and investor outreach, are indicative and subject to change at APEDA’s discretion.
25. Commitment to Program Completion:
    • Participants are expected to complete the entire BHARATI program, including all phases from application to investor outreach, unless terminated by APEDA.
    • Voluntary withdrawal from the program before completion may result in APEDA reserving the right to debar the participant from future APEDA programs or support initiatives.
26. Termination of Participation:
    • APEDA reserves the right to terminate a participant’s involvement in the program at any stage for reasons including, but not limited to, non-compliance with these terms, failure to meet program requirements, submission of false information, or conduct deemed detrimental to the program’s objectives.
    • Terminated participants may be debarred from future APEDA programs or support initiatives at APEDA’s discretion.
27. No Guarantee of Market Success:
    • Participation in the BHARATI program does not guarantee market success, export contracts, investor funding, or commercial outcomes. Participants are solely responsible for their business performance and results.
28. Liability and Indemnity:
    • APEDA shall not be liable for any losses, damages, claims, or expenses arising from participation in the BHARATI program, including but not limited to financial losses, missed business opportunities, or reputational harm.
    • Participants agree to indemnify and hold APEDA, its affiliates, partners, and representatives harmless against any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from their participation, actions, or omissions during the program.
29. Dispute Resolution:
    • Any disputes arising from participation in the BHARATI program shall be resolved through mutual consultation between the participant and APEDA.
    • If unresolved, disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in New Delhi, India, and governed by Indian law.
30. Force Majeure:
    • APEDA is not liable for delays, cancellations, or modifications to the program due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to natural disasters, government regulations, pandemics, or other force majeure events.