An EarthON Initiative, in collaboration with SwitchON Foundation
Greenovation SustainAgri Challenge
Recognising Innovators, Startups and NGOs to Advance Sustainable Agriculture Practices in India
The SustainAgri Challenge seeks to identify and support innovative technologies, business models, and on-ground projects that drive sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in India. With agriculture being a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and facing urgent issues like soil degradation and extreme weather, this challenge invites:
- Agri Startups to showcase scalable technologies and impactful models, and
- NGOs and Not-for-Profits to present transformative grassroots innovations and practices.
This initiative aligns with India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and global sustainability goals, aiming to foster eco-friendly farming practices, boost food security, and minimize agriculture’s environmental impact.
Challenge Objectives
A collaborative initiative of EarthON Foundation, USA and SwitchON Foundation, India, the Greenovation SustainAgri Challenge seeks transformative innovations to accelerate the shift toward sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in India. The challenge is part of EarthON’s larger mission to catalyze grassroots solutions that build a just, equitable, and climate-secure future.
The Challenge aims to identify and support early-stage technologies, business models, and on-ground initiatives that address critical agricultural challenges such as soil degradation, resource inefficiency, and climate vulnerability. With agriculture contributing significantly to India’s greenhouse gas emissions, there is an urgent need to reimagine the sector through sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
The SustainAgri Challenge focuses on supporting innovations that:
- Enable climate-smart farming practices including regenerative agriculture, agroecology, and carbon sequestration methods to reduce emissions and restore ecosystems.
- Provide technology-driven and community-rooted solutions for improving soil health, water management, pest control, and sustainable livestock practices.
- Create inclusive livelihood opportunities by enhancing productivity, reducing input costs, and improving market access for smallholder and women farmers.
- Promote digital and AI-powered tools that improve traceability, decision-making, and resilience in agricultural value chains.
- Empower women and youth in agriculture through leadership, enterprise support, and training for climate-smart practices.
Applications are open to startups, NGOs, and innovators with scalable, India-relevant solutions that have completed initial validation or pilot phases. Selected finalists will gain access to mentorship, capacity building, and a national-level platform for visibility and scaling. Winning solutions will be supported in their replication across India, with focused implementation opportunities in key states including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra—regions most vulnerable to climate risks and in need of agri transformation.
Who can Apply
Agri Startups
registered in India within the last 7 years, working on innovative, scalable solutions in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, or resource efficiency.
Registered NGOs / CSOs / Section 8 Companies
Incorporated at least 2 years ago and operating for not more than 8 years, with proven models in sustainable agriculture or climate resilience, and average annual expenditure not exceeding INR 5 crores.
Technology Providers
offering pilot-ready tools or platforms in areas such as soil health, emissions reduction, water efficiency, or farm mechanization.
Grassroots Innovators / Individuals
developing early-stage, community-based solutions or prototypes focused on regenerative or climate-smart agriculture.
Research Institutions / Academic Entities
working on scalable technologies or practices for sustainable farming, and open to technology transfer partnerships.
Women- and Youth-led Initiatives
promoting inclusive leadership, farmer engagement, and sustainable agricultural practices at the grassroots level.
Impactful Prizes & Support
Non-Dilutive Cash Awards – Up to INR 20 Lakhs Total
Multiple winners across categories will receive cash prizes to accelerate their solutions — no equity taken, no repayment required.
Access to Expert Mentorship
Work with leading mentors in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and impact entrepreneurship to refine and scale your solution.
Capacity Building & Bootcamps
Participate in intensive sessions on topics such as regenerative agriculture, farmer engagement, business scaling, and fundraising.
National Visibility & Recognition
Showcase your innovation to policymakers, investors, and ecosystem leaders at national-level platforms.
Networking & Collaboration Opportunities
Connect with government bodies, funders, research institutions, and agri-entrepreneurs to expand your impact.
Timeline
Challenge Announcement
Applications Deadline
Top 30 Announced
Top 10 Announced
Top 10 Pitches & Award Ceremony
Register & Apply Now!
Are you ready to turn your bold idea into a breakthrough for sustainable agriculture in India and beyond?
Join the Greenovation SustainAgri Challenge and get the opportunity to showcase your innovation, gain national recognition, and receive hands-on support from expert mentors.
Take your impactful work to the next level!
About EarthON Foundation
EarthON bridges this gap by empowering leaders and entrepreneurs to implement transformative solutions at the intersection of climate and livelihoods. By investing directly in grassroots initiatives, we ensure that bold ideas from those closest to the problem can become scalable actions for a sustainable future.
The EarthON Foundation USA, a 501(c)(3) organization, is redefining climate funding by empowering climate leaders and early-stage entrepreneurs in vulnerable regions
About SwtichON Foundation
SwitchON Foundation’s purpose is to drive equitable, sustainable development across India. Founded in 2008 (registered as Environment Conservation Society), SwitchON promotes ecosystems for clean energy, climate-resilient agriculture, integrated natural resource management, just transition, and green skilling. Guided by a vision of a sustainable, equitable India, its mission is to deploy innovative business models and technologies that create sustainable livelihoods and address environmental challenges for 10 million people at the bottom of the pyramid by 2030.
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