Pune: India is set to host its first International Agri Hackathon, a landmark event aimed at accelerating innovation and collaboration in the agricultural sector. Scheduled from April 5 to June 3, 2025, in Pune, the initiative is jointly organized by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra, the Collector Office Pune, and MPKV College of Agriculture.
Agri Hackathon will serve as India’s largest cross-disciplinary platform for agri-tech innovation, bringing together startups, students, researchers, and technology professionals from across the globe. With India’s agricultural future under pressure due to climate change, resource constraints, and a growing population, this event is designed to foster fast, scalable, and sustainable solutions to critical farming challenges.
Participants will compete in eight key agri-tech categories, including artificial intelligence, water and soil management, renewable energy, agri-mechanization, post-harvest technology, and supply chain innovations.
A total of 16 teams (eight winners and eight runners-up) will be awarded ₹25 lakh and ₹15 lakh respectively, with opportunities for incubation and funding support through government-backed agri-business incubators.
Agri Hackathon Event Details
The event will be executed in stages:
- Registrations: Open from April 5 to May 5, 2025
- Shortlisting: By May 15, 2025
- Final Hackathon: June 1–3, 2025
- Award Ceremony: June 3, 2025
The selection process for agri hackathon includes a concept pitch, live demo of prototypes, and a final presentation evaluated by a jury comprising agricultural experts, startup mentors, and tech specialists. Participants must submit team details, a concise pitch deck, an explainer video, and MVPs where applicable.
Organizers expect the event to become a catalyst for agricultural transformation by harnessing disruptive technologies such as AI, IoT, blockchain, robotics, and renewable energy. Officials believe that by converging talent from industry, academia, and government, this hackathon will unlock high-impact innovations aligned with India’s long-term vision for smart and sustainable farming.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to Startups, Researchers, Students, and Innovators working in Agri-Tech.
- No Entry Fee required
- Startups must be in Pre-revenue, Early-stage, or Growth stage
Must be working on one of the 8 Agri-Sectors:
- Use of Artificial Intelligence
- Water Conservation & Soil Management
- Agri-Mechanization
- Crop Protection (Fertilizers & Pesticides)
- Renewable Energy for Agriculture
- Post-Harvest Technology and Waste Management
- Agri-Economics and Supply Chain
- Any other disruptive Agri-Tech innovation other than AI.
