RISE ACCELERATOR (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The Atal Innovation Mission, in partnership with CSIRO Australia, is calling for applications from start-ups and MSMEs in both India and Australia for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the India Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator.

RISE Accelerator

• About: It is particularly interested in start-ups and MSMEs with solutions that prioritise farmer needs, priorities, and on-farm practices.  
• Launched: 2023
• Partnership between: CSIRO, Australia’s National Science Agency and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
• Focus: It addresses shared challenges between India and Australia with a focus on environment and climate issues, supporting the expansion of innovative agritech solutions across borders.

Climate Smart Agritech Cohort

• Focus on Agricultural Productivity: The Climate Smart Agritech cohort will focus on start-ups and MSMEs with technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience against climate variability, resource scarcity, and food insecurity.
• Emphasis on Farmer Needs: The program is particularly interested in solutions that prioritize farmer needs, priorities, and on-farm practices.
• Benefits: Over nine months, participants will experience a blend of self-paced online learning and in-person sessions, including immersion weeks in both India and Australia.