CONTENT

1. RISE Accelerator

RISE Accelerator

Context:

The Atal Innovation Mission – in partnership with CSIRO, Australia – is inviting applications from start-ups and MSMEs from India and Australia for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of India Australia.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

RISE Accelerator:

• The RISE (Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion) Accelerator is a collaborative effort between CSIRO and the Atal Innovation Mission under NITI Aayog, focusing on fostering India-Australia cooperation.
• Introduced in 2023, the program specifically supports the advancement of innovative agritech solutions that address climate and environmental challenges affecting both nations.
• Aimed at nurturing start-ups and MSMEs, the RISE Accelerator helps these enterprises to refine, adapt, and test their technologies for international markets.

Program Design and Objectives:

• Target Sector: The initiative is keenly focused on the agriculture sector, promoting technologies that boost farm productivity and sustainability amid changing climate conditions and increasing food demands.
• Support Structure: Participants in the program benefit from a comprehensive support system, including nine months of mixed online and in-person training, which features immersive experiences in both India and Australia.
• Special Emphasis: There is a strong emphasis on supporting start-ups and MSMEs that develop solutions tailored to the specific needs and practices of farmers, enhancing their ability to manage resources efficiently and sustainably.
• Activities: The latter part of the program includes practical field trials and pilot testing of technologies to ensure real-world applicability and effectiveness.