The iHub – AWaDH (Agriculture and Water Technology Development Hub) at IIT Ropar, established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, operates within the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM – ICPS) framework. With a clear focus on time-bound deliverables, the hub drives research and development in Agriculture, Water, and IoT. It also provides crucial incubation and acceleration resources to technology-based startups, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Serving as a dynamic platform, iHub – AWaDH unites academia, industry, and government agencies to tackle real-world challenges in agriculture and water management. Leveraging IIT Ropar’s expertise and advanced facilities, the hub not only spearheads technological innovation but also nurtures the next generation of engineers and researchers to meet the evolving demands of these critical sectors.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Mukesh Kestwal, Chief Innovation Officer at iHub – AWaDH, IIT Ropar, discusses the core activities of the innovation hub. He highlights the progress of startups, the role of deep tech in transforming Indian agriculture, and provides insights into the future of agri-tech startups. He also emphasizes how these startups are poised to address the challenges of excessive chemical and pesticide use in Indian agriculture. Here are the key takeaways from his compelling interview.
Q: Can you provide an overview of the core activities and initiatives undertaken by iHub – AWaDH at IIT Ropar?
A: The iHub – AwaDH at IIT Ropar is a cutting-edge technology hub established by the Department of Science and Technology under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). As part of a broader initiative comprising 25 hubs across the nation, it has collectively received substantial funding of approximately Rs. 3,660 crores to drive technological innovation and research.
Our hub has received Rs. 110 crores, enabling us to onboard 114 startups dedicated to revolutionizing the agriculture and water sectors. Impressively, 86 of these startups are working in the deep tech space, pushing the boundaries of technological advancement in these fields. To support their development, we have already allocated approximately Rs. 17 crores from our funds.
Uniquely, we have made significant strides in equity investment—an area where most incubators hesitate to venture. We have strategically invested in 35 startups, with an average investment of Rs. 32 lakhs per startup, resulting in a total equity infusion exceeding Rs. 10 crores, reinforcing our commitment to fostering innovation and growth.
Q: What stage of development are these startups currently at?
A: Most of our startups are in an advanced stage, having already launched their products in the market. We have invested over Rs. 10 lakhs in approximately 55 such startups, each of which has a product available for sale. Additionally, about 10 to 15 startups are nearing the final stages of product development. Fewer than 20% of our investments are in the early stages, where we have provided grants totaling around Rs. 5 crores.
Q: How are deep tech startups poised to revolutionize Indian agriculture, and can you provide examples of innovative solutions they are currently implementing?
A: Let me illustrate with a brief example from the agrarian water sector. Indra Water is a company dedicated to industrial wastewater treatment and recycling. They have secured substantial funding and are making significant strides in improving industry practices. Many industries fail to treat their wastewater properly, often discharging it directly into rivers or oceans. Indra Water addresses this critical issue effectively.
In a different vein, Hemp Store is making waves in the hemp industry, an emerging sector with transformative potential. We also have companies focusing on dairy farming innovations. For instance, AgriVijay is developing a cutting-edge SaaS platform tailored for the agriculture industry.
Another notable player is Arya Technologies, which specializes in air-to-water technology. This is particularly crucial for regions like Bangalore and Chennai, where water scarcity is a pressing problem. Arya Technologies is addressing this challenge by converting air into water.
These examples highlight the diverse range of startups we are currently engaged with, specifically in agriculture and water management. These sectors are where we see significant opportunities for impact and growth.
Q: As we look ahead to the next decade, how do you envision the future of Indian agricultural startups? What kinds of innovations or products do you foresee them developing, particularly those with the potential to make a global impact?
A: When examining sectors such as Deep Tech SaaS or Deep Tech IT, it’s evident that we have been engaged in these fields for quite some time. However, with the rise of AI, there has been a surge of interest, leading us to explore emerging areas like quantum technology. Despite this, agriculture, a traditional focus for us as an agrarian nation, has often been overlooked in terms of deep tech.
Historically, our agricultural practices have been conventional, serving only local needs. Today, however, the landscape is changing rapidly with the rise of startups and significant government investment. The recent introduction of the AgriSURE fund, with over Rs. 700 crores, underscores the future potential of agriculture.
Sustainability is a major factor driving this shift, attracting new talent to the sector. Bihar’s success with home-grown startups becoming unicorns is a testament to this potential.
We are now at a critical juncture for agricultural technology, focusing on improving crop yields and exploring new methods. For instance, our recent work with Syngenta highlighted the growing threat of pollination issues. This has prompted us to investigate artificial pollination solutions.
Deep tech startups must address these challenges by balancing the needs of natural pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, with innovative agricultural practices. We are actively engaging in startups that are tackling these crucial issues.
Q: Given the concerns surrounding the excessive use of chemicals and pesticides in Indian agriculture, are there any startups actively developing solutions to address these issues?
A: Currently, we lack direct support specifically for such startups. However, we have recently launched new programs targeting this area. Although these programs do not focus on agriculture, we are actively engaging with startups in the water treatment sector, addressing issues like fluoride and phosphorus contamination. Additionally, we are developing our own in-house technologies.
The core issue with chemicals in agriculture is not their quantity but their quality. Poor-quality chemicals, used excessively, are a significant problem. For instance, during a recent government discussion, it was evident that the use of high-quality chemicals in appropriate amounts poses no issue. The real problem arises when low-quality chemicals are overused, failing to effectively eliminate pests and causing environmental harm. In the future, we plan to include startups addressing these issues in upcoming cohorts.
